No lasting peace in Ukraine while Putin lives, says former NORAD deputy chief
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A former NORAD deputy commander believes lasting peace in Ukraine is impossible while Putin remains in power.
- He suggests Ukraine's military victory or Putin's death are necessary preconditions for sustainable peace.
- The general also commented on Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities, calling them strategically significant.
Lasting peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved while Vladimir Putin remains in power, according to a former deputy commander of NORAD. The Canadian military official stated in an interview with Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform that Putin's death is a necessary condition for enduring peace.
The first necessary condition for lasting peace in Ukraine is the death of Putin. Unfortunately, I find it very difficult to imagine lasting peace as long as Putin remains in power.
"The first necessary condition for lasting peace in Ukraine is the death of Putin. Unfortunately, I find it very difficult to imagine lasting peace as long as Putin remains in power," said the general. He added that a Ukrainian military victory would be a more fundamental basis for such peace.
General Christopher Coates expressed increasing skepticism about the idea that territorial concessions by Ukraine to Russia could ensure any lasting stability. He assessed that such a scenario would at best provide a "temporary respite." Coates warned that if Russia maintains its imperial ambitions, it would rebuild its forces and return to war.
If Russia maintains its imperial ambitions, it will rebuild its forces and return to war.
Coates also commented on Ukrainian strikes against oil industry targets within Russia, deeming them strategically important. He believes these attacks force Russian command to divert resources, reduce Russia's revenue, and remind Russians that the war carries a price. The general emphasized that Russia is not fighting for survival but initiated the war and is dedicating vast resources to it with very limited gains.
Russia is not fighting for survival. It decided on this war and is dedicating huge resources to it, achieving very limited gains.
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.