Topic: Minsk Agreement

In a recent interview, Victoria Nuland admitted that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was derailed because of a "secret annex" regarding limits on Ukrainian weaponry. The deal would have prevented Ukraine from hosting NATO nuclear weapons, a primary concern for Vladimir Putin. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson reportedly advised the Ukrainians to stop negotiating and pursue a military victory instead.

Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko claimed in a BBC interview that the Minsk agreements were a stalling tactic designed to give Ukraine eight years to build up its military and economy. This aligns with previous comments attributed to Angela Merkel suggesting the agreements were intended to prepare Ukraine for a future conflict with Russia.

The discussion examines claims that Western leaders promised not to expand NATO beyond the Elbe River during the 1990 reunification of Germany. Documents from 1991 suggest that officials from the US, UK, France, and Germany agreed that NATO membership would not be offered to Poland. The failure to implement the Minsk Accords is also cited as a factor in the current war.

State Department spokesman John Kirby reiterated that the U.S. does not recognize the "occupation" of Crimea, claiming Russia invaded the territory. However, historical context shows that the transition occurred following a public referendum where the majority-Russian population voted to join the Russian Federation. The narrative of a "barrel of a gun" invasion is disputed by those who point to the lack of shots fired during the transition.

Victoria Nuland is accused of lying about the Minsk agreements by falsely implying that the return of Crimea is a requirement for Russia to meet its commitments. The U.S. has committed over $600 million in "security assistance" to Ukraine, including counter-mortar radars and secure radios. A reminder is given of Nuland’s infamous "fuck the EU" leaked phone call, highlighting her role in engineering the Ukrainian government.

NATO is scheduled to conduct Operation Anaconda, a massive military exercise involving 31,000 troops, to simulate blocking a Russian incursion. Simultaneously, G7 leaders in Japan maintained that sanctions against Russia will remain until the Minsk commitments are met and Crimea is returned to Ukraine.

Pope Francis met with Vladimir Putin at the Vatican, presenting the Russian leader with an "Angel of Peace" medallion. The meeting included discussions on the conflict in Ukraine and the necessity of adhering to the Minsk agreements to rebuild a climate of dialogue.

Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland is criticized for adopting a specific "cadence" during a press conference in Russia regarding the Minsk agreements. This speech pattern is compared to that of Susan Rice and other White House officials, characterized by a distinctive "uptick" at the end of sentences. The hosts suggest this linguistic style may originate from President Obama's own speaking habits.

State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki is challenged by reporter Matt Lee regarding the source of data on Minsk agreement violations. Psaki cites 250 violations by separatists based on Ukrainian government reports, admitting the independent OSCE does not have access to the areas to verify the claims. The hosts highlight the lack of impartial data and the U.S. reliance on one-sided information.

The "Normandy format" talks between Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel, Francois Hollande, and Petro Poroshenko focused on the Minsk agreement and a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. Putin's press statement expressed doubt regarding the status of surrounded Ukrainian troops and called for a political settlement to avoid further bloodshed, a stance contrasted with U.S. accusations of Russian aggression.

Gayane Chichakyan of Russia Today questions State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki about whether the Ukrainian government is complying with the Minsk ceasefire agreement. Psaki deflects the questions, focusing instead on Russian intervention. Veteran reporter Matt Lee intervenes to point out the State Department's double standard in condemning rebel attacks while calling for "investigations" into Ukrainian shelling.