... it means--nope. No cigar.
The ongoing negotiations to secure peace in the Ukraine conflict are “difficult,” but Russia remains committed to achieving a resolution, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. Peskov's comments follow US President Donald Trump’s statement that he expects a response from Moscow on a proposed peace agreement with Kiev later this week. Speaking to reporters, the Kremlin spokesman was asked whether Trump’s remarks suggested any behind-the-scenes agreements between Washington and Moscow. He acknowledged some progress in efforts to resolve the conflict but stressed that numerous challenging issues remain on the table. “We believe that certain progress can already be stated. This progress is related to the temporary moratorium that Russia adhered to — a moratorium on not striking energy infrastructure facilities,” Peskov said. He added that while Moscow has honored this moratorium, “the same cannot be said for the Ukrainian side.”
How do we know that Russia has a contingency plan for the US "withdrawal"? Well, through Moscow being nonchalant about this prospect.
Peskov was also asked to comment on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that the US could abandon its efforts to reach a peace deal between Moscow and Kiev if it feels that no progress is being made on the issue. The spokesman stated that whether or not the US would actually withdraw from the settlement process is a question that should be asked in Washington.
This is what I preach non-stop now: the ball will now remain in the US corner permanently until the US makes a decision. There are no good options for the US, but one of them allows to save remnants of the face. At least for domestic audience.
Meanwhile, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot hails the meeting of the EU foreign ministers on May 9 in Kiev as a "counter" to Moscow's celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory, as a huge win for French "diplomacy".
I agree, France belongs in the lair of neo-Nazi regime, as does most of Europe. I can only repeat Keitel's quip about French in May 1945, "What, did these guys defeat us too?” Of course, they didn't, and May 9th is not France's to celebrate--they have been willing accomplices of the Third Reich, no matter how these losers try to rewrite history.
