Russian President Vladimir Putin. © RIA Novosti. Mikhail Klimentyev
Putin's "Statehood" Gambit Raises Stakes In East Ukraine -- Reuters
Shift in Kremlin language steps up pressure on Kiev
* Ambiguous 'statehood' comment played down by spokesman
* Use of term 'New Russia' becoming more frequent
* Putin keeps Kiev, West guessing over ultimate aim
MOSCOW, Sept 1 (Reuters) - A shift in President Vladimir Putin's language on the conflict in eastern Ukraine reflects a transformation in the situation on the battlefield and sounds a warning to Kiev to negotiate sooner rather than later.
Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quick to tell journalists that the Kremlin leader was not demanding independence for pro-Russian separatists when he said on Sunday that talks should take place immediately "on the political organisation of society and statehood in southeastern Ukraine".
But in the context of the separatist war in which the rebels have made startling gains in the space of a week - with the help, Ukraine and its Western allies say, of Russian tanks and troops - the formulation had an ominous ring for Kiev.
Read more ....
Update #1: Putin seeks ‘statehood’ talks for Ukrainian rebel regions -- Irish Times
Update #2: Putin to Ukraine: Begin immediate talks on east -- Navy Times
My Comment: The Ukrainian government is not going to accept these terms .... but events on the ground are now quickly going Putin's way .... and he knows it.
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