As fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine, signs are emerging that Russian President Vladimir Putin has adopted a twin strategy: pledge his willingness to support a negotiated settlement, but continue funneling arms to separatist rebels.
“Putin in the last several weeks has been playing a dual game,” said Steven Pifer, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and Brookings Institution senior fellow.
“There have been things that suggest that Russia wants to help solve this diplomatically … But you’ve continued to see evidence that Russians weapons are flowing into Ukraine.”
After months of bellicose rhetoric, Putin three weeks ago had Russia’s parliament revoke his authority …read more
Source: Voice of America
