Medvedev's controversial map reignites tensions over Ukraine's future
Former President Dmitry Medvedev sparked alarm by unveiling a map outlining Ukraine's division, a move that has even surprised some Russian commanders. "Sooner or later, we will unite. Why should we concede anything to anyone?" a Russian general remarked.
Mar 9, 2024 | updated: 4:22 AM EDT, March 10, 2024
Reports by Russian media or government officials often serve as propaganda. These narratives are part of the Russian Federation's informational warfare.
At a youth forum in Sochi earlier this week, Dmitry Medvedev, now Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation's Security Council, made remarks questioning Ukraine's sovereignty. Dressed in an outfit reminiscent of Stalin's, he displayed a map suggesting Ukraine's division among Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Russia.
The proposed division would reduce Ukraine to a fraction of its size, leaving only the Kyiv Oblast intact.
A sign of desperation
"Once, a Ukrainian leader asserted that Ukraine is distinct from Russia. This idea must vanish permanently. Ukraine undeniably belongs to Russia... Territories on either side of the Dnieper River are inseparable from Russia’s domain, and any division attempts are bound to fail," Medvedev inaccurately claimed, as reported by TASS, the Russian news agency.
"Medvedev's ludicrous map of Ukraine's division is a desperation act. Moscow is coming to terms with its inability to take over Ukraine and seeks partners in its wrongdoing. The European borders are inviolable," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the X platform.
Unanticipated even in Russia: "Where did this Poland come from?"
Pro-Kremlin outlets deemed the territorial concessions to Poland and Romania as "unforeseen." According to Medvedev's map, Poland would acquire lands extending to the Zhytomyr Oblast, while Romania would be granted Bukovina together with the Vinnytsia Oblast, linked by a narrow corridor.
"Romania and Poland have close ties with Great Britain, making this proposal essentially an offer to the British. Notably, these two nations are pivotal in logistical support for military supplies to Ukraine," the Russian website Pravda.ru noted.
In a gazeta.ru interview, State Duma Defense Committee member Gen. Viktor Sobolev addressed Medvedev's proposition, clarifying that President Vladimir Putin's discourse revolved around Ukraine's full integration with Russia, not partitioning it with Poland. "
"Where did this unexpected mention of Poland come from? I resonate with the statement that unification is inevitable. Why would we relinquish anything to anyone? Our predecessors fought for these lands, including during the Great Patriotic War. It’s inconceivable to consider giving them away," the retired military figure commented, reflecting propagandistic sentiments.
Source: Belsat
