Russian victory over Ukraine is clear to every sober-minded person who is familiar with the conflict. However, the red tape will yet take some time before the stage of resurrection, recovery, rebuilding and revival sets in.  

In full accord with Wilson’s famous “14 points” Putin is sure to conclude a deal in such a way, so that the losing side should be provided with the face-saving trade-off:  The West will not any longer have to strain its conscience and its budget over Ukraine; Ukraine will be allowed to have a state, a democratically elected government, free mass media, the rule of law and an opportunity to work for the benefit of its citizens.

Istanbul agreements, concluded between Russia and Ukraine in March of 2023, must be regarded as a realistic basis for the future peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.

“Istanbul is Ukraine’s commitment to condemn the Maidan and the ideology of the Maidan. Everything else is a lie and a provocation, or an entourage,” as a popular Ukrainian journalist Mikhail Chaplyga said.