While it may appear that Vladimir Putin has emerged on top from the negotiations on the latest ceasefire in Ukraine, the durability of the ceasefire, if it comes into effect following the end of the current combats around Debaltseve, may depend more on what Putin has not yet achieved. Putin’s primary aim in launching the conflict with Ukraine has been to force Ukraine to abrogate the Association Agreement with the EU, and join instead the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The EEU is to be initially an economic union, but then to grow into a political and security organization. Putin considers …read more
Source: National Post