After Riyadh: Moscow’s strategy — stalling for time

Moscow's strategy is to stall for as long as possible. To every American proposal, they will respond with "yes, but…" followed by unacceptable conditions, such as the unconditional lifting of sectoral sanctions. As is known, in negotiations, everything before "but" is meaningless.

What the Russian side is currently succeeding in is pushing topics that benefit them. The issue of maritime security is an opportunity for their navy to move beyond Novorossiysk, where they have been trapped by Ukrainian naval drones. The issue of energy infrastructure is no less, or perhaps even more, critical for Russia now due to Ukrainian drone attacks, which remain beyond the reach of Russian air defenses. And unfortunately, the American side is currently paying attention to the Russians because the Trump administration believes it can break the Russia-China connection by accommodating certain Russian interests. Of course, it won’t succeed — neither in breaking the connection nor in satisfying Russia.

The task of the Ukrainian side is to prove to the White House that this plan is flawed.

Judging by my broadcast with one of the members of Ukraine's Servants of the People party, Kamelchuk (formerly Kryvokobylko), they have absolutely no idea what’s going on. And any suggestions to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating team to better convey to the U.S. administration the reality of Russia’s policies and future plans are met with outright hostility.

I just can’t understand one thing: if they lack brains, shouldn’t they at least have instincts? No? But that’s a rhetorical question. That’s why many are likely working on communication without the permission of the President’s Office. The stakes are too high for Ukraine’s survival.

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About the author. Volodymyr Ariev, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog or column authors.