Putin and Poroshenko: War of Words and More

Putin and Poroshenko: War of Words and More

Russian president Vladimir Putin has expressed limited support for the unilateral ceasefire at Ukraine in the conflict with pro-Russian separatists. President Petro Poroshenko has recently declared a 7 day ceasefire for talks with the rebels to prevent the truce from collapsing.

The Kremlin has also echoed Putin's voice following overnight fighting in the eastern portion where pro-Russian separatists are battling the Ukrainian government forces. Military bases have been attacked along with customs posts within hours of the ceasefire taking effect.

While the truce has been welcomed by the Kremlin, Putin wants a peace plan that is not an ultimatum and the ceasefire may therefore not be enough to douse flames. Now, there are moves to start talks between opposing sides.

Poroshenko unveiled his 15 point peace plan for the end of insurgency in the east. He has met regional leaders and aimed at respecting the use of the Russian language in the east. But no steps have been taken to enter into direct dialogue with those leading the separatist movement.

While the Kremlin has quoted Putin as saying the ceasefire will offer room for meaningful negotiations and political compromise between two sides in eastern Ukraine, the question remains whether this will actually translate into reality. In a conciliatory gesture, all parties to the conflict should come to the table with their concerns.

Poroshenko is all for selling his plan, but the million dollar question is whether it will be bought and what the price for it will be. Relations with Moscow are in deep waters with Kiev accusing Russia of fomenting the unrest. The unrest is not the only challenge. Convincing Putin will not be easy either.

Poroshenko has announced the week-long ceasefire urging the rebels to lay down their arms byt the very opposite has happened. The rebels are not convinced that steps for peace will lead to a conducive outcome. Ukrainian forces also fended off 2 attacks with around 50 armed fighters at an air defence base at Avdiyivka housing surface-to-air missiles. No Ukrainian personnel were hurt in this attack.

Strategic points have been seized by the separatists including Donetsk. People's republic have been set up by the separatists who say Ukraine has broken its own ceasefire.

With many assenting and dissenting voices, a clear call for the division of Ukraine has not yet been established. If the pro-Russian separatists want to take charge of the east, its a fight to the finish. Poroshenko will not give up this region. But then, neither will the Kremlin nor Putin.