Retreating Russian troops is important diplomatic gesture, says professor

The return of part of Russian troops to bases after military exercises near Ukraine is a way for the Russians to show that “it is willing to make an extra effort, and this is important from a diplomatic point of view”, according to the professor of Foreign Affairs. Internationals from USP, Kai Enno Lehmann.

In an interview with CNN Radiohe further assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is, to some extent, “getting what he wants.”

“He is getting attention, with an important role for Russia on the international stage and renegotiation of the security system in Europe, and it seems to me that this is what the West is going to ‘offer’ to him,” he said.

In the expert’s assessment, it is very difficult for the conflict to evolve into a war. “I have not believed for some time in a complete invasion to take the Ukrainian capital. It doesn’t seem to me in Putin’s interest, he doesn’t want a traditional war in Ukraine, with possible involvement of other countries”.

Kai Lehmann explained that one factor that has probably worked in Putin’s favor thus far concerns the concept of “brinkmanship”.

The term refers to the act of “forcing your hand” to have your demands met.

“In Putin’s mind, what he has achieved so far is related to brinkmanship, with threats to invade the neighboring country to receive concessions.”