Does Medvedev Support the War in Ukraine?
Dmitry Medvedev, the former President of Russia and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, has been a vocal critic of the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, his statements and actions have been open to interpretation, leading many to question whether he truly supports the conflict or is simply trying to find a way to end it.
Early Statements
In the early days of the conflict, Medvedev was relatively quiet, choosing not to take a public stance on the issue. However, in an interview with the Russian news agency Interfax in August 2014, he hinted that Russia’s actions in Ukraine were necessary to protect the rights of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in the country.
Support for the Separatists
In the following months, Medvedev’s statements became more explicit, with him expressing support for the separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. In a speech at the Valdai International Discussion Club in October 2014, he stated that the people of Donbass have the right to self-determination and that Russia would continue to support their efforts to achieve independence.
Criticism of Russian Policy
However, Medvedev has also been critical of Russia’s policy towards Ukraine, arguing that it has been overly aggressive and has led to unnecessary bloodshed. In an interview with the German newspaper Bild in August 2015, he expressed regret over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was shot down by a Russian-made missile in July 2014, killing all 298 people on board.
Efforts to Negotiate a Peace
In recent years, Medvedev has been pushing for a negotiated settlement to the conflict, arguing that a military solution is not possible and that only through diplomacy can a lasting peace be achieved. In a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2019, he called for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign troops from Ukraine.
Key Quotes
Here are some key quotes from Medvedev’s statements on the war in Ukraine:
- "We must not forget that the people of Donbass have the right to self-determination, and we will continue to support their efforts to achieve independence." (October 2014)
- "I am not happy with the way our policy has been conducted in Ukraine. We should have acted more wisely, more calmly, and more prudently." (August 2015)
- "A military solution is not possible in Ukraine. We must find a way to negotiate a peaceful settlement." (June 2019)
Summary of Medvedev’s Position
In summary, Medvedev’s position on the war in Ukraine is complex and nuanced. While he has expressed support for the separatist movements in eastern Ukraine and criticized Russia’s policy towards Ukraine, he has also been critical of the conflict and has called for a negotiated settlement.
Table: Medvedev’s Key Statements on Ukraine
| Date | Statement |
|---|---|
| August 2014 | Russia’s actions in Ukraine are necessary to protect the rights of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers |
| October 2014 | The people of Donbass have the right to self-determination and Russia will continue to support their efforts to achieve independence |
| August 2015 | Regret over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 |
| June 2019 | Call for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign troops from Ukraine |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Medvedev’s statements on the war in Ukraine are open to interpretation, it is clear that he has expressed support for the separatist movements in eastern Ukraine and has been critical of Russia’s policy towards Ukraine. However, he has also called for a negotiated settlement and has expressed regret over the conflict. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it will be important to closely follow Medvedev’s statements and actions to gain a better understanding of his position on the war.
