As a result of Putin’s land grab and Zelenskyy’s signing of an “accelerated” NATO membership application, the two leaders are amplifying concerns of a full-scale conflict between Russia and the West.
Putin signs treaties concerning Ukrainian territories
In a sharp escalation of his seven-month invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed treaties on Friday to illegally seize extra Ukrainian occupied territories.
Fears of a full-fledged conflict between Russia and the West are increasing as a result of Putin’s land grab and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s signing of what he called an “accelerated” NATO membership application. These two events sent the two leaders speeding faster on a collision course toward each other.
The Kremlin signing ceremony
At the Kremlin signing ceremony, Putin renewed his nuclear-backed threat to protect the newly annexed regions of Ukraine by “all available means.” He also reacted angrily against the West, claiming that the United States and its allies are plotting to destroy Russia.
Zelenskyy’s own signing ceremony
On the other hand, the president of Ukraine responded by unexpectedly submitting an application to join the NATO military alliance.
Zelenskyy then conducted a signing ceremony of his own in Kyiv, releasing video of him signing what he claimed to be a legitimate application for NATO membership.
Putin has made it abundantly clear that any possibility of Ukraine joining the largest military alliance in the world is one of his red lines and used it as justification for his invasion, which is the largest land conflict in Europe since World War II.
No possibilities for negotiationsÂ
In his speech, Putin urged Ukraine to hold peace negotiations, but he vowed to avoid bringing up the subject of returning occupied territory. There would be no negotiations done with Putin, according to Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president declared that he and his nation are prepared for a dialogue with Russia, but with another president of Russia.
Unclear effects of NATO application
The Ukrainian president declared that “this enemy will be expelled from our country’s entire territory.”
“This is already known to Russia. It senses our strength. Because approval needs the unanimous consent of all members, the “accelerated” NATO application’s immediate effects were unclear.
Ukraine has, however, already inched closer to the alliance’s orbit as a result of receiving Western weapons.
“We trust one another, support one another, and safeguard one another.” Putin’s Kremlin ceremony took place three days after “referendums” on joining Russia that were orchestrated by Moscow and held in occupied territories but were denounced by Kyiv and the West as a blatant land grab conducted under duress and based on fabrications.
Putin’s call for respect over the Kremlin-managed elections
Putin insisted that Ukraine treat the Kremlin-managed elections “with respect” in his fiery speech at the ceremony.
Following the signing of the treaties to join Russia, the leaders of the occupied regions who had been installed by Moscow gathered around Putin and joined hands, chanting “Russia! Russia!” along with the audience.
Russia on a historical mission
As he charged that the United States and its allies wanted to destroy Russia, Putin cut an angry figure. He claimed that the West operated “as a parasite” and “robbed the entire world” with its resources and advanced technology.
He presented Russia as being on a historical mission to reclaim its post-Soviet great power status and oppose what he claimed was the collapsing Western dominance.
History has called us …to fight…for the great historic Russia Â
He declared saying that history has called us to the field of battle to fight for our people, for the great historic Russia, and for future generations.
Since announcing their independence in 2014, just weeks after the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine was annexed, the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine have received support from Moscow.
Soon after Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, Russia seized control of the southern Kherson region as well as a portion of the neighboring Zaporizhzhia.
The treaties for the regions to annex with Russia will be ratified by both houses of the Kremlin-controlled Russian parliament next week, and will be then sent to Putin for his approval.
Putin joined the celebration as thousands of people gathered in Red Square on Friday night for a concert and rally.
As performers from Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine sang patriotic songs, many people waved Russian flags. According to a number of Russian media reports, employees at state-run businesses and institutions were urged to show up, and students were given permission to miss class in exchange for their attendance
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