Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin is now expressing surprisingly strong criticism of Putin's Ukraine war. (Collage) © Collage: Imago/Tass/SNA
Is Russia failing in Ukraine? A Russian MP attests that Moscow has at least not yet achieved anything in the war. A criticism that was not possible a year ago.
Moscow – It is obvious that Russia has not achieved its war goals in Ukraine. In view of the fact that the Ukraine war – or as the Kremlin calls it, the "special operation" – was supposed to last only a few days, the current situation must be regarded as disappointing from a Russian perspective. War has been going on for well over a year now.
In the meantime, it seems to be possible to say this even in Russia: Russia has not yet achieved its war aims. This is exactly what Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin said last week. Just a year ago, this would hardly have been conceivable.
Ukraine war: Duma deputy harshly criticizes Russia's results in Ukraine
"What were our original war aims?" asks Zatulin, as reported by the American publication Newsweek. "We all remember that it was about denazification, demilitarization, neutrality of Ukraine and protection of the population of Donetsk and Luhansk. What have we been able to achieve so far? Nothing!". Zatulin is extremely harsh on his country and goes even further: Ukraine, of course, is "dangerous" and there is no reason to believe that Russia will "definitely win" this war.
Ukraine war: Duma deputy doubts neutral Ukraine
Zatulin also doubts the goals that were originally set for himself. The MP no longer considers a neutral Ukraine to be possible, as Newsweek writes. "If Ukraine continues to exist, it will not be neutral," Zatulin said. At present, Ukraine is probably preparing a counteroffensive against the Russian invader. Western weapons systems, which have been sent to Kyiv over the past few months, are sometimes elementary for this.
A point of contention remains the question of whether Ukraine should use Western fighter jets in the war against Russia or not. While the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine is currently not being considered in Germany, allies have a different view of the issue. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, for example, recently announced that training Ukrainian pilots on Western equipment could begin soon. (lp)
