The article discusses the views of two experts, EF and EP, on Russia’s military capabilities, war crimes in Ukraine, and the potential for a just resolution to the conflict.
EF expresses skepticism about Russia’s ability to fight NATO, but notes that if Putin believes hostilities can be limited to a small territory without triggering a full NATO response, they might have sufficient forces. EF also discusses the challenges of countering Russia’s surprise attacks and large concentration of forces, which could lead to significant casualties before NATO assistance arrives.
EF highlights the issue of Russian torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians, calling it a “logical extension of Putinism” and a fundamental attribute of the system that cannot be addressed without dismantling it. EF suggests that there are likely many more such cases than have been documented and that identifying and prosecuting those involved is essential.
EP asks whether Russia should undergo a process similar to Germany after World War II, with trials for war crimes and a national reckoning. EF responds that this discussion exists among Russian journalists but is challenging due to the lack of established mechanisms for conducting trials and determining guilt. EF suggests that around 1,000 people directly involved in ordering and executing war crimes should face justice.
EF emphasizes that Russia cannot have a normal future without a just resolution to the conflict and that a fair end to the war would require reassessing everything since 2014, including Russia’s involvement in Ukrainian politics. EF notes that simply returning territory wouldn’t solve the underlying problem and that lasting peace isn’t possible without addressing the root causes of the conflict.
The article also mentions the investigation into journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna’s murder by EP’s colleagues at IStories.
Overall, the experts’ views suggest that a just resolution to the conflict requires a deeper understanding of the root causes of the war and a commitment to accountability for those involved in war crimes.
