Ukraine has now turned, to some extent, into a toy in the hands of NATO and
the United States (US), and is used as an instrument of geopolitical
pressure against Russia and China.
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, made this
innuendo in an interview with various leading Russian media, including
Sputnik on Thursday (27/1/2022).
"Ukraine, unfortunately, has now turned, to some extent, into a toy in the
hands of NATO and, above all, in the hands of, of course, the United States,
because Ukraine is used as an instrument of geopolitical pressure in Russia,
as well as in China," Medvedev said. .
He also said Volodymyr Zelensky's actions as president of Ukraine are likely
to lead to the country's destruction.
"I am not disappointed in Zelensky. He has not disappointed me in any way. I
believe that he did exactly what someone with his level of training, with
his level of professional suitability for the office of president of
Ukraine, should have done. And, unfortunately for him, perhaps, this
ultimately leads to the destruction of Ukraine itself," Medvedev said.
Medvedev, however, hopes that a de-escalation of tensions in Ukraine is
possible in the future.
Medvedev believes that in the end, Ukraine will tire of the current tensions
and will have to choose a leadership that will pursue policies aimed at
normal economic relations with Russia, achieving a fair balance on various
issues, including the recognition of Crimea as part of Russia.
Asked to name a Ukrainian politician who would seek to normalize relations
with Russia, Medvedev declined to comment on the matter, saying it was
untrue and unpromising.
He also recalled earlier statements that it made no sense to negotiate with
the current leadership in Ukraine because of its anti-Russian orientation.
For example, he cites discriminatory laws against indigenous Ukrainians, as
well as the failure to implement the Minsk treaty on the Donbass.
According to Medvedev, “It makes no sense to negotiate with politicians who
lie, disobey decisions, who make decisions directed against their own part
of the population, who do not comply with international obligations in this
sense.”
Asked if he acknowledged the possibility of direct clashes between
Russia and NATO if Ukraine decided to take a military route over the
Donbass, Medvedev said, "This would be the most dramatic scenario, just a
disaster. And I just hope it never happens."
The politician also noted that no one has ever objected to the involvement
of the United States in negotiations in Ukraine.
"No one has ever objected to the involvement of the United States. America
is already in the game, as they say. They are actively influencing Ukraine,
they are actively trying to create problems for us."
"In this case, let them participate openly and have some kind of
negotiation, influence, use their channel of influence in Ukraine," Medvedev
said.
He added, "The main thing is that the Minsk agreement is implemented."
Medvedev notes the real problem is with the implementation of the agreement.
"Because with words, everyone declares compliance with this agreement, and
even Ukrainians talk about it but do nothing," he said.
