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FOCUS: Russia-Ukraine War

Putin And Zelensky, So Close — And Farther Away Than Ever From Negotiations

The Ukrainian and Russian presidents made separate visits to the frontline recently, in closer physical proximity than anytime since the war began. It was a sign that we should not expect negotiations anytime soon.

Split photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on their respective visits to the frontline

Putin and Zelensky: nearby, same time, different purposes

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin have probably not been literally as close to each other since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. The two presidents made public Tuesday their respective visits to the war's front line.

While it was not a first for Zelensky, it was for Putin. And the event was staged enough to stand out. What is the message of Putin's visit, both in terms of the military situation and recent mentions of negotiations?

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The two sides do not have the same agenda. The Ukrainian president is preparing his spring counteroffensive, announced well in advance to push for Western arms deliveries. Tanks have arrived, along with ex-Soviet planes delivered by Eastern European countries.


Leaks from Pentagon documents in recent days also revealed an attack date, April 30, which is probably unlikely after the leak, and expressed doubts about the ability of Ukraine to break through the heavily consolidated Russian defenses along the more than 1,000 kilometers of the front.

Nothing more than more war

As for Putin, his message is much more complex: by visiting the Kherson region in the south and then Luhansk in the north to meet with his military leaders, the Russian president is indicating that he does not intend to give up the annexed regions from last year, even if he does not fully control them.

This prerequisite is important because it is consistent with Moscow's attitude towards possible negotiations. Ready to negotiate, yes, but on the basis of effective territorial gains, which are non-negotiable.

Two days before Putin's visit, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner militia, which is known to have led most of the battles and suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Bakhmut, made a notable statement: he declared that it was "necessary to end the special military operation" and to proclaim that Russia had achieved its objectives. Prigozhin’s rhetoric suggests that Moscow could be satisfied with the conquered territories and could stop there.

That makes Kyiv look like an obstacle to peace.

Does this allow for negotiation? The answer is no. This is unacceptable for Ukraine, which does not intend to sacrifice an ounce of territory after all it has suffered for over a year now.

Game of fools

But this is the ambiguity of the evocations of negotiation and mediation issued in recent days by China, joined by Brazilian President Lula. Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, was present in Brazil yesterday, where he praised diplomatic efforts.

The ambiguity lies in presenting a mediation offer at a time when Russia still controls the conquered territories, making Kyiv look like an obstacle to peace because it will not negotiate until it has tried to reverse the balance of power. In the eyes of southern countries, Ukraine will be the war instigator, with the West behind it.

The conclusion of this game of fools is that the war is not likely to end anytime soon, and those who speak of negotiations do not really have the elements that would make them possible. Zelensky and Putin on either side of the front line are probably announcing nothing more than more war to come in the coming weeks.

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Green

Moose In Our Midst: How Poland's Wildlife Preservation Worked A Bit Too Well

Wild moose have been spotted on Polish beaches and even near cities. They're a rare example of successful conservation efforts, but they're increasingly coming into contact with people.

Photo of a moose crossing a road

Moose seen in Poland

Joanna Wisniowska

GDANSK — Images of wild moose roaming the streets and beaches of Poland’s Baltic coast have been cropping up online more frequently. What should someone do if they encounter one? According to Mateusz Ciechanowski, a biologist at the University of Gdansk, the best option is to leave them alone.

“This is the result of the consistent protection that has been provided to this species of moose,” said Ciechanowski. “As the numbers increase, so does the animals’ range”.

Various media outlets have been publishing reports about spotted wild moose in the cities of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot with increasing frequency. Perhaps more surprising is that these moose have been seen on beaches as well.

Centuries ago, moose could be found all over the European continent. But, like the European bison, they were often hunted for their value as an attractive game animal.

Aside from population declines due to hunting, the drainage of European wetlands also decreased the number of viable moose habitats. The animals, which prefer marshy areas, dwindled without the proper natural environment to flourish in.

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