Putin’s price for ‘peace’? Claiming victory, regardless of the truth
Even tiny territorial gains will allow Russia to declare success, regroup, and wait to reopen hostilities at a time of its choosing As Russia builds up its offensive operations in the east of Ukraine, many in the west have suggested that Vladimir Putin has ordered his forces to deliver success in Mariupol in time for Russia’s Victory Day, on 9 May. That’s an assessment based largely on circumstantial evidence and the cult status of Victory Day itself – but it’s not one that’s supported by what Russia is telling its own population, where domestic propaganda channels are no longer making…