‘We are caught mainly combating a proxy battle in Ukraine,’ former British ambassador to Russia says
Sir Tony Brenton was British ambassador to Russia between 2004 and 2008.
He has been talking to Sky News this morning concerning the Russian election and what it might imply for the battle in Ukraine.
“The principal Russian goal is to, to begin with, get a excessive majority for Putin and, secondly, to get a really excessive turnout.”
Russia has claimed 37% of voters have forged their ballots already, with two days remaining earlier than polls shut.
“This isn’t an election as we consider them,” Sir Tony mentioned. “This is an affirmation of nationwide help for Putin and people numbers recommend Russian authorities will reach that goal.
“The battle is the central subject in Putin’s thoughts. [He has] already misplaced curiosity in most elements of presidency, however he is very dedicated to the battle and he is decided to win it. He can solely do this if he can preserve at the least the impression of Russian public help.”
So what do Russians actually take into consideration Putin and the battle?
Sir Tony mentioned there are opinion polls, however they don’t give a lot perception.
“The abnormal Russian, requested a query about his political views, geese for canopy, actually,” he mentioned. “But to the extent the opinion polls inform you something, they recommend that Putin has 80% help – as I say, that is acquiescence slightly than enthusiasm for what Putin’s as much as…
“But the Russians are patriots as effectively – the battle has been offered as being in opposition to the West, which is set to destroy Russia, and the Russians in these circumstances collect round and help their management, and all of the proof is that is precisely what’s occurring.”
So what does all this imply for the battle?
Putin and people round him are “fairly assured that issues are getting in the suitable route”, Sir Tony mentioned, including that they’ve the “nationwide political system successfully below management”.
“The battle itself, from their standpoint for the second, appears to be like as if it is transferring in roughly the suitable route.”
He added: “The projection must be that this flat opposition and battle of attrition carries on for one more couple of years possibly – not an excellent forecast.”
“We are caught mainly combating a proxy battle in Ukraine.”
