"Sanctions against Russia act like a slow poison"

French army general and defence consultant Nicolas Richoux believes that a ceasefire could be achieved this year thanks to massive military aid to Ukraine.

"We should not jump to conclusions, but I strongly doubt that Putin will stop before achieving his objectives. Specifically, the annexation of these regions is his immediate goal; in the longer term, his ambition could well be the conquest of all Ukraine. Furthermore, the achievement of these objectives is, for him, a precondition for any ceasefire,” General Richoux said.

According to him, a ceasefire is in principle a technical gesture, allowing negotiations to begin. Yet Russia’s initial condition—the abandonment of Ukrainian territories—demonstrates the absence of genuine will to negotiate.

“This proves he doesn't wish to engage in sincere negotiations. He will continue fighting until the front line matches the administrative borders of the regions. That’s why I doubt we can achieve anything lasting this year, even if there is a temporary ceasefire,” he emphasised.

The general believes the future of the war will depend largely on the ability of the United States to influence Poutine.

“We still do not know what the United States intends to do. Europe seems to be slowly preparing militarily, but too slowly and without real coordination. Moreover, it is Donald Trump who really holds the key to this situation,” stated General Richoux.

In the general’s view, sanctions alone will not be enough to make the Kremlin give in. "You know, sanctions are important, but they act like a slow poison. Their pace does not match that of war. And war is all about urgency."

(MH with AmBar – Source: LCI – Photo: © Unsplash)