Putin Addressed Russians, Not World Leaders, Expert Says

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognized the independence of two separatist areas of Ukraine. The announcement was made during a televised address this afternoon. THE CNNESPM International Relations professor Gunther Rudzit evaluated the Russian leader’s speech and highlighted that he prioritized the relationship with his country’s voters.

“This speech by Putin was fundamentally for the Russian public, it was not fundamentally for other world leaders, because he needs to give a tough answer, that he is showing a result for the Russian voter to leave satisfied, that he is defending Russia. and made a decision defending Russian interests. All very well choreographed: in the statement, in the petition that the Russian government has already made”, says the expert.

Before signing the document with the decision and cooperation agreements with the self-declared republics, he stated once again that the situation in eastern Ukraine is critical and that the country is part of Russian history.

Professor Gunther Rudzit assesses today’s scenario as a situation similar to what happened in 2008, when Russia invaded Georgia. “A majority of Russians who revolted against the Georgian government and that was the cue for the Russian government to invade, defeat in five days, precisely in the year that Georgia’s entry into NATO began to be discussed, as well as Ukraine itself” , he said.

“Unfortunately Ukraine will be in this situation, where it has lost part of its territory, once again, like Crimea did in 2014,” Rudzit added.

Reactions from world leaders

Several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, condemned the Russian president’s decision.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it would be necessary to “apply maximum pressure against Russia”.

“It’s becoming clear that we’re going to need to start applying as much pressure as possible, because it’s hard to see how this situation improves,” Johnson told a news conference.

“This is clearly a violation of international law. It is a violation, a blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and integrity,” she added.

British Foreign Minister Liz Truss said sanctions would be announced on Tuesday, something she said was agreed with Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign affairs representative.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with US President Joe Biden after Putin’s speech. He also said he plans to speak with Boris Johnson and has convened the National Security and Defense Council.