Step towards a 'vulgar' peace and lifting of sanctions: WP evaluates the exchange of prisoners between the US and RF.

The recent exchange of prisoners between Western countries and Russia has caused serious concern in Ukraine. Although the exchange did not directly involve Ukraine, the scale and importance of this operation did not go unnoticed in Kyiv.

According to The Washington Post, the Ukrainian side has long suspected the possibility of secret talks between the US and Russia about a 'vulgar' peace for Ukraine. These concerns were heightened after the extensive exchange of prisoners.

The Washington Post emphasizes that although Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov stated that the exchange will not lead to negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine, it is difficult to trust such statements. This only increases the concern of the Ukrainian side about possible hidden negotiations behind its back.

Mikhail Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, emphasized in a comment to the publication that 'Ukraine is now too independent to conduct any negotiations behind its back and impose conditions for peace talks'.

However, The Washington Post notes that Ukraine is heavily dependent on Western arms and financial support. Halting this assistance could put Ukraine in a difficult position.

The publication also points out the historical context, mentioning the Minsk agreements signed under unfavorable conditions for Ukraine under pressure from Western leaders.

Meanwhile, the released Russians as a result of the exchange have already made a number of statements that have caused additional concern.

Vladimir Kara-Murza criticized Western sanctions:

'We often see that the sanctions of Western democratic countries are not aimed against Putin's regime itself and not against specific criminals in the higher ranks of Putin's regime, but against the entire country against all Russian citizens'.

Andriy Pivovarov also called on the West to ease sanctions against Russia:

'Reach out to Russians, giving them the opportunity to see the world and receive education. This way, the myth of the besieged fortress can be debunked'.

Georgy Alburov also stated that the West needs to 'direct sanctions against officials and criminals, not against all Russians'.

It is worth reminding that on August 1, 2024, US President Joe Biden announced the release of four Americans detained in Russia.