Day 34 Roundup: Negotiations Make Some Progress in Turkey as Missile Attacks Continue
The Facts
Talks in Istanbul on Tues. appear to have made some progress, with Ukrainian officials reportedly saying the country is ready to declare itself neutral, while Russia pledged to "drastically reduce military activity" around Kyiv and Chernihiv.
US and European officials remain skeptical, however, with the Pentagon warning that only a small number of troops have pulled back from near Kyiv, and cautioning that they may be repositioning, not withdrawing.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to re-write history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.