Putin's Olive Branch or Trojan Horse? 007 Investigates Istanbul Peace Talks

The Name's Bond Peace Bond

Right then pay attention 00 Section. The world's gone topsy turvy again hasn't it? This time it's Mr. Putin with his 'peace' proposals. Seems our friend in the Kremlin is offering direct talks with Ukraine of all things in Istanbul. May 15th he suggests. Durable peace he says. Eliminating root causes he claims. Well as my old friend Felix Leiter used to say 'A martini shaken not stirred and a healthy dose of skepticism.' Because in this business nobody does anything for nothing. And trust is a loaded gun.

Shaken Not Stirred by Proposals

He wants to resume negotiations on Thursday without preconditions he says. Sounds almost reasonable doesn't it? But let's not forget this chap sent in the tanks back in '22 creating a bloodbath and a right old mess. This sudden desire for peace is about as believable as Blofeld's cat being a vegetarian. It's always wise to have a trick up your sleeve. Or in my case several.

Ultimatums are for Amateurs

Now the European powers are rattling their sabers demanding a 30 day ceasefire or else 'massive' new sanctions. Putin naturally dismisses these as mere 'ultimatums.' I rather agree with him on the absurdity of ultimatums. Remember Goldfinger? He thought he could bully the world. Didn't end well for him did it? Then again this whole situation is a bit like a game of baccarat; high stakes and a whole lot of bluffing.

A History of Truces (and Treachery)

He also brings up past ceasefire proposals the Easter truce the WW2 victory celebrations... all of which were shall we say less than successful. Accusations flying faster than bullets from a Walther PPK. Remember darling a double agent always has two faces.

The Devil's in the Details (and the Drones)

Even as he proposes talks the chappie is launching drone attacks on Kyiv. A tad contradictory wouldn't you say? He doesn't rule out new truces during the talks but insists this must lead to 'sustainable' peace. Well I'll believe it when I see it. A bit like trusting a politician to tell the truth. Possible but unlikely. I'd always keep an escape route planned. It is just like I told Jaws once “Well here's to you.”

The Price of Peace: A Steep One

Let's not forget his conditions: Ukraine must drop its NATO dreams and hand over chunks of territory. He wants the US to recognize his land grabs and Ukraine to remain neutral. Seems he's still playing the same old game just with a slightly different hand. He says he wants the same deal he had in 2022 after the invasion which means security for neutrality. He blames Ukraine for not negotiating in 2022 which is just a bit of silliness from someone who is very dangerous. Still best to see this through with careful assessment. 'Never say never' as someone once told me.