Zelensky’s Censored Russian Press Brief
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered a clear road ahead in response to the Russian attack on that has been devastating his country for over a month. On March 27, speaking with Russian independent media via Zoom with prominent Russian independent journalists, Zelensky suggested Russian troops retreat to the locations held before February 24 of this year. This would place them in the contested eastern region of Donbas, as a reset, and the two countries could work to resolve “the complex issue of Donbas.” Speaking in Russian, Zelensky said he would be willing to meet some of Moscow’s demands, during future talks between diplomats, with the condition that the details be put to a referendum, and everyone commit to ensuring Ukrainian safety.
When Zelensky was asked about the future of Ukraine and his vision of a Ukrainian victory he stated, “I understand that it is impossible to force Russia to completely liberate the territory, it will lead to World War III. I understand everything perfectly and I am aware. That’s why I say: It’s a compromise. Return to where it all began, and there we will try to solve the issue of Donbas, the complex issue of Donbas.” While criticizing Moscow, Zelensky discussed the potential steps to end the war, stating Ukraine was ready to accept a neutral non-nuclear status.
Unfortunately, Zelensky’s interview was not well received in Moscow. Later in the day, the Kremlin warned Russian news outlets against rebroadcasting or distributing the Zelensky’s interview. Zelensky then accused Moscow of being “frightened” by journalists “who can tell the truth”. The Kremlin attempted to prevent Russians from seeing the interview, but many were able to watch.
President Biden Visits Poland
At the same time, President Biden spoke to U.S. troops from the 82nd Airborne (and foreign press) about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in Poland. Providing a motivating speech, he stated, “Look at how they’re [the Ukrainians] stepping up. And you’re gonna see when you’re there,” seemingly indicating the troops would be fighting the Russians in the Ukraine. The Ukrainian news organization Kyiv Independent, commented that this had to be a mistake. This follows his Warsaw speech that spoke out against Putin and the threat he brings. He was quoted saying, “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power.” Diplomats, world leaders and foreign policy experts quickly tried to understand exactly what was intended.
Within minutes the White House recanted Biden’s statement. Much to relief of the world, Secretary of State Antony Blinken insisted regime change was not on the table. Staffers stated, “The president’s point was that Putin cannot be allowed to exercise power over his neighbors or the region. He was not discussing Putin’s power in Russia or regime change.”
“The speech was quite remarkable,” said Aaron David Miller, a veteran diplomat and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “This is one of those speeches where the one-liner in many ways drowns out the intent of the speech. Because that’s exactly what people are focusing on.”
Russia on the President’s Comments
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state news agencies regarding President Biden’s statement, “That’s not for Biden to decide. The president of Russia is elected by Russians.” Sadly, the blunders were immediately used for Russian propaganda, with RT News headlines reading “Putin cannot remain in power – Biden” and “U.S. president demands regime change for Russia, White House later tries to backtrack.”
Officials around the world agreed that Biden’s comment was an honest acknowledgment of the terrible reality. It will be incredibly difficult for the U.S. to have a normal relationship with Putin after the Ukrainian invasion. Perhaps the greater concern is that Presidents Biden’s rhetoric may escalate tensions, making diplomatic resolution more difficult. Most in the government agree that the priority should be ending the war on terms Ukraine can accept and discouraging any escalation by Putin.
