Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, has recently sparked discussions by suggesting that Lviv will become the new capital of Ukraine, a statement that has drawn attention from the Institute for War Studies (ISW).
According to ISW's latest analysis, this assertion is part of the Kremlin's intensified rhetoric strategy aiming at the hypothetical partition of Ukraine. The think tank interprets this move as a clear signal of Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambition to enforce the total surrender of Ukraine and subsequently influence the West's stance on the conflict.
Medvedev's proposition was shared via his English-language social media account, indicating the message was primarily directed towards an international audience. He mentioned a "planned world railway line" from Spain through Southern Europe, terminating in Lviv, framing it as a precursor to establishing Lviv as Ukraine's capital within the confines of its Oblast. This claim, ISW notes, seeks to advance a narrative detached from the realities of Ukraine's territorial integrity and the ongoing conflict, positioning it as a separate European infrastructure project.
The ISW analysis further highlights the Kremlin's narrative of Ukraine as an "artificial state," reviving themes of "historically justified imperial conquest." This rhetoric aims to diminish international support for Ukraine by suggesting the legitimacy of Ukraine ceding significant territories to Russia as a resolution to the conflict.
In light of these developments, the European Union has reached a preliminary agreement on a substantial financial package for Ukraine, totaling EUR 50 billion by 2027.
This package, aimed at supporting Ukraine's state functioning, construction, modernization, and reforms, underscores the EU's commitment to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary. It includes both low-interest loans and non-repayable grants, marking a significant step in bolstering Ukraine's resilience and its path towards EU membership.
This strategic discourse and the EU's financial commitment reflect the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the international community's efforts to support Ukraine while navigating the challenges posed by Russia's aggressive policies.
