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Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 7 to May 10, mainly to ensure safety during Russia’s 80th anniversary celebrations of the end of World War II (known in Russia as Victory Day). Russia claims this ceasefire also shows its openness to peace talks without preconditions, aiming to address the "root causes" of the Ukraine conflict.
However, much of the Western reaction remains skeptical. Critics argue that Putin does not genuinely want peace but seeks control over Ukraine and a reordering of European security. Former President Trump and others suggest the focus should be on stopping the fighting quickly, without deeply addressing root causes — while some European and U.S. elites argue more pressure should be applied on Russia, not Ukraine.
The speaker criticizes this Western attitude, arguing that:
The West ignores historical context and Russia’s security concerns, such as NATO expansion.
The Minsk Accords, which could have de-escalated tensions earlier, were not implemented properly.
Without addressing the full background and both sides' grievances, true peace is impossible.
There's a false belief in the West that Russia will "buckle" under economic or military pressure — misunderstanding Russian resilience and their historical willingness to endure extreme suffering for causes they deem vital.
Finally, the speaker warns that Ukraine is suffering the most, and without a major shift in Western strategy that acknowledges complex realities, the prospects for peace look grim.
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