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TimeDec 24, 2022
Day 290: Putin Suggests Possibility of Settlement Despite Skepticism
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Image copyright: AP Photos [via AP News]
The Facts
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin on Friday suggested the possibility of a settlement to end the war in Ukraine, but voiced skepticism, stating that Western countries had "deceived" Russia in the past.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyrgyzstan, he said: "The settlement process as a whole, yes, it will probably be difficult and will take some time. But one way or another, all participants in this process will have to agree with the realities that are taking shape on the ground."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Putin is again escalating the nuclear rhetoric and threatening to wipe out his opponents if he doesn't get his way. He may not quite say Russia will use nuclear weapons, but by saying it's a possibility, he wants to scare off the West's rightful support for Ukraine.
Establishment-critical narrative
Putin's comments, made in tongue-in-cheek, are aimed at showing the world the asymmetric nature of US policy which already adopts a stance of permitting a first strike. Russia's nuclear doctrine only permits nuclear strikes in response to a nuclear attack on the country, or a conventional attack that threatens its very existence.
