In Moscow's Shadows 151: From Switzerland to SMERSH
Jun 16, 2024
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Discussion on Ukraine's peace plan and Putin's negotiation conditions, potential revival of SMERSH in Russia, survey insights on future talks, and rise of ultra-nationalism and Stalin's rehabilitation in Russia.
45:18
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Quick takeaways
The Ukraine peace summit highlighted global support for Zelensky's 10-point plan, focusing on nuclear security and food security.
Calls to revive Stalin's Smersh indicate a rise in ultra-nationalism in Russia, posing cultural and political challenges.
Deep dives
The Ukraine Peace Summit and Zelensky's Demands
The Ukraine peace summit aimed to support Zelensky's 10-point peace plan, demanding the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. Only three points found consensus, focusing on nuclear security, food security, and prisoner exchange. The summit highlighted global support for Ukraine's demands but led to limited progress in broader peace negotiations.
Public Perception and Survey Results on Ukraine's Future
A survey revealed Ukrainian sentiment towards reclaiming territories occupied by Russia. While 96% favored the return of all stolen territories, opinions varied on accepting a peace deal leaving Crimea annexed. The survey also indicated strong support for Ukraine's military strength and aspirations for NATO and EU membership.
Discussion on Ukraine's Potential Nuclear Deterrent
Ukrainian sentiments towards nuclear weapons reflected split opinions. 47% supported acquiring nuclear arms, while 33% considered it under future circumstances. The debate signifies growing concerns about Ukrainian security amidst ongoing conflict and geopolitical tensions.
Revival of Smersh and Ultra-Nationalist Sentiments in Russia
Instances of calls to revive Smersh, a Stalin-era counterintelligence agency, suggest a growing ultra-nationalist sentiment in Russia. Local figures advocating for Smersh's resurgence highlight deeper cultural struggles within Russian society. The trend reflects a broader rehabilitation of Stalinist institutions and potentially divisive ultra-nationalist movements challenging the current political landscape in Russia.
Ukraine's Ten Point Peace Plan, which received only limited endorsement at the recent Swiss Peace Summit, is essentially a demand for Russia's surrender. Putin's recent statement of conditions for negotiations is likewise a call for Kyiv to capitulate. Is this a complete impasse? Yes and no -- they are best considered as 'pre-peace positioning' in preparation for any future talks, whenever they happen, and a survey arranged by the Carnegie Endowment gives some interesting insights as to how that may go.
In the second half, I address the periodic claims that Russia needs to re-establish SMERSH, Stalin's infamous 'Death to Spies' murder squad. Is this likely, or simply a toxic by-product of Putin's rehabilitation of the dictator?
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