Latest news with #TreatyofVersailles
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First Post
2 days ago
- Business
- First Post
With Russia's terms to Ukraine, Putin seeks surrender — not a peace deal
With the terms that Russia presented this week, Vladimir Putin made it clear that he seeks Ukraine's surrender — not a peace deal. If Putin's terms are implemented, the Ukrainian nation would cease to exist and no Ukrainian leader, and certainly not Volodymyr Zelenskyy, could accept that. read more In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on April 26, 2025. AP Photo The Russian terms presented in talks in Turkey made it clear that Vladimir Putin seeks Ukraine's capitulation and not peace. While Ukraine made some concessions in terms presented in the second round of talks in Istanbul, Russian leader Putin stuck to his maximalist demands and ruled out any possibility of arriving at middle ground to make peace. Putin has not just sought the recognition of Ukrainian territories that Russia has occupied since 2014, but has also sought Ukraine's surrender of all territories it claims but not occupies at the moment. In provisions similar to those imposed on Germany after the World War I in the Treaty of Versailles, Putin has also sought restrictions on the size, deployment, and equipment of Ukrainian military after the end of the war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to complete occupation of five provinces of Ukraine (Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia), Putin has also sought the creation of a buffer zone of an unspecified length on the Ukrainian side of the new border that would essentially further reduce Ukraine's territory. Besides ruling out Ukraine's membership of Nato, Putin has also sought to restrict Ukraine's military partnerships and ban hosting foreign troops on its soil. With such terms, it is clear that Putin is prolonging the negotiations so that he could continue his massive attacks as long as possible to pressure Ukraine into acceptance, says Kseniya Kirillova, a Russia analyst at Washington DC-based Jamestown Foundation. Kirillova tells Firstpost, 'Such conditions are unacceptable for Ukraine. Putin is deliberately setting impossible conditions to prolong the negotiations. He is hoping for a summer offensive to break the will of Ukrainian society. Ukraine can only hope that President Trump will lose patience with Putin sooner than that.' Zelenskyy offers concessions, Putin doubles down on maximalist terms In a sharp deviation from the initial phase of the war, Zelenskyy has not pressed for the return of territories under Russian occupation. He has only demanded that the international community should not recognise the occupation. Previously, Zelenskyy has also implied that Ukraine would be okay with Russia keeping control of whatever territory is under its control without any international recognition. However, Putin has doubled down on maximalist territorial demands. Russia occupies around 19 per cent of Ukraine's territories across five provinces — 12 per cent was occupied in 2014 when Russia invaded and annexed Crimea. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Putin has not just demanded the recognition of all territories under its control but has also sought the surrender of additional territories it claims but does not control. With the buffer zone, Putin has sought around at least 25 per cent of Ukrainian territory in total — nearly a third more than it currently controls. Putin has also sought to change the character of Ukraine as a nation. He has sought to insert the Russian language into formal business, restore the pro-Russia Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and ban what he calls 'nationalist formations' in Ukraine. While Ukraine has sought a ceasefire monitoring by the United States and other countries, Putin has sought to make any ceasefire agreement controlled by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). That would mean that Russia would call shots as Russia and its principal ally China hold veto at the UNSC. A day after Russia formally submitted these demands, Andriy Yermak, the Chief of Staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that the Russian position remains 'unconstructive' and Putin was 'stalling and manipulating the negotiation process'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yermak further said that Russia has 'no genuine intention of ceasing hostilities' and only strong sanctions can compel Russia to engage in serious negotiations. All eyes on Trump — and perhaps Ukrainian drones As Ukraine-Russia talks are expectedly making no substantial progress, all eyes are on US President Donald Trump — and on perhaps Ukrainian drones. The talks in Istanbul were held a day after Ukraine launched an audacious drone attack inside Russia in which it struck five Russian airbases and destroyed a third of Russian long-range bomber and surveillance fleet. The attack shortly after the destruction of two railway bridges. A day after the talks were held, Ukraine attacked the Kerch bridge that connects occupied Crimea with Russia. With such attacks, Ukraine has sought relative position of strength in ongoing talks and has shown it does hold cards, says Swasti Rao, a scholar of European affairs at the Jindal School of International Affairs (JSIA), Sonipat. 'While the final outcome is unlikely to change with such attacks, which means that Ukraine would not get the occupied land back, such strikes allow Ukraine to have a firm place at the negotiating table and ensure that Trump and Putin do not cut a deal about the war without Ukraine and Europe's final say. Such strikes also send a message to Moscow and Washington DC that Ukraine can also deliver blows and the war is not as one sided as one would have thought,' says Rao, an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Global Initiatives at JSIA. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even though Trump is under pressure from all sides to toughen up his stance on Putin, he has not shown any indication that he is about to do that. Instead, it is his actions that enabled Putin to double down on his maximalist positions in ongoing peace talks. Last month, even as Putin defied all ceasefire proposals that Ukraine accepted and defied Trump's direct public appeals to not attack civilians, Trump rewarded Putin by dropping his longstanding demand of an immediate ceasefire and endorsing Putin's demand of direct talks. Kirillova, the Russia analyst at Jamestown Foundation, says that Trump wants the war to end in Ukraine irrespective of the way it ends. 'The root causes of the war or its moral dimensions appear to be of secondary importance to him. He is focused on delivering results and, in doing so, he is exerting pressure on the weaker party — Ukraine. Consequently, he is offering certain concessions to Putin while pressuring Zelensky,' says Kirillova. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whether Putin's continued defiance and Ukraine's stunning comeback in the conflict changes Trump's stance remains to be seen.
Cambrian News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Cambrian News
David Lloyd George Museum reopens after £280,000 makeover
Key objects to look out for include Lloyd George's draft copy of the Treaty of Versailles, the first copy of the People's Budget from 1909, Chancellor of the Exchequer uniform worn by Lloyd George, and the many freedom casks gifted to him by cities and towns from Wales, England and Scotland.
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Museum dedicated to life of former Prime Minister gets £280,000 makeover
A Gwynedd museum dedicated to the life and times of the UK Prime Minister David Lloyd-George has re-opened following a major redevelopment. The museum, which is in the Liberal politician's former home village of Llanystumdwy, has been given a £280,000 makeover. The money has come thanks to £250,000 funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), Cyngor Gwynedd and the Countess Lloyd George's Fund. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday As part of the project, museum designers Mather & Co were commissioned to modernise the displays and integrate the artefacts with the story of one of the 20th Century's most famous radicals. It is hoped that the new look will allow visitors to gain a deeper insight into the life of the famous politician and the context of his lifetime. Lloyd-George was well known for his scathing wit and debating skill in the Houses of Parliament. He also played an important role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Versailles, which led to the end of the First World War. The council says it is hoped that the thematic approach to the stories and objects presented will bring more understanding into Lloyd George's life. According to Cyngor Gwynedd, the exhibit aims to explore both the positive and negative aspects of his character, decisions and their legacy. The museum features four thematic zones, entitled: The Politician, The People, The Man, and The Legacy. 'The Politician' describes a chronological storyline that present key moments from Lloyd George's early career in Parliament, his significant roles during the First World War, and the later stages of his political life. 'The People' delves into how the press portrays political figures and their decisions, shaping public opinion. 'The Man' unfolds through two sub-themes, across different sections of the museum, Early Life and Family Life.'The Legacy' presents the impact of Lloyd George's political actions and decisions, alongside his international recognition. Key objects for visitors to look out for include Lloyd George's draft copy of the Treaty of Versailles, the first copy of the People's Budget from 1909, Chancellor of the Exchequer uniform worn by Lloyd George, and the many freedom casks gifted to him by cities and towns from Wales, England and Scotland. Megan Cynan Corcoran, Museums Development Officer for Cyngor Gwynedd said: 'It has been both a pleasure and a responsibility to redevelop the Museum's displays. Over the years, new displays and display cabinets had been added, but many cases from the original 1960s museum remained. "With this investment, we are able to present historical facts alongside supporting artefacts in a thoughtful manner. "This marks only the beginning of our ongoing effort to narrate the life and times of David Lloyd George and the legacies he left behind.' Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said: 'I'm delighted that the Lloyd George Museum has reopened its doors ready for the summer season. "Lloyd George remains a significant and controversial figure in Welsh, British and World history and it all started at the Highgate cottage. 'I am delighted that the museum continues to attract visitors from near and far. "We now offer a contemporary experience with engaging graphics and immersive audiovisual activities, encouraging reflection on Lloyd George's significant decisions and their lasting legacies." The design of the museum has carefully considered the building's architectural features, including its high ceilings and structural beams. Hanna Lorenz, 3D Designer for Mather & Co said: 'Working on the redevelopment of the Lloyd George Museum has been a profound privilege. "Breathing new life into spaces that stand beside his childhood home and within sight of his final resting place is to connect past, present and future. "It's more than a Museum – it's a living tribute to one of Britain's most influential figures, rooted in the very landscape that shaped him.'
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Museum dedicated to life of former Prime Minister gets £280,000 makeover
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Gwynedd museum dedicated to the life and times of the UK Prime Minister David Lloyd-George has re-opened following a major redevelopment. The museum, which is in the Liberal politician's former home village of Llanystumdwy, has been given a £280,000 makeover. The money has come thanks to £250,000 funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), Cyngor Gwynedd and the Countess Lloyd George's Fund. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday As part of the project, museum designers Mather & Co were commissioned to modernise the displays and integrate the artefacts with the story of one of the 20th Century's most famous radicals. It is hoped that the new look will allow visitors to gain a deeper insight into the life of the famous politician and the context of his lifetime. (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd) Lloyd-George was well known for his scathing wit and debating skill in the Houses of Parliament. He also played an important role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Versailles, which led to the end of the First World War. The council says it is hoped that the thematic approach to the stories and objects presented will bring more understanding into Lloyd George's life. According to Cyngor Gwynedd, the exhibit aims to explore both the positive and negative aspects of his character, decisions and their legacy. The museum features four thematic zones, entitled: The Politician, The People, The Man, and The Legacy. (Image: North Wales Live) 'The Politician' describes a chronological storyline that present key moments from Lloyd George's early career in Parliament, his significant roles during the First World War, and the later stages of his political life. 'The People' delves into how the press portrays political figures and their decisions, shaping public opinion. 'The Man' unfolds through two sub-themes, across different sections of the museum, Early Life and Family Life.'The Legacy' presents the impact of Lloyd George's political actions and decisions, alongside his international recognition. Key objects for visitors to look out for include Lloyd George's draft copy of the Treaty of Versailles, the first copy of the People's Budget from 1909, Chancellor of the Exchequer uniform worn by Lloyd George, and the many freedom casks gifted to him by cities and towns from Wales, England and Scotland. Megan Cynan Corcoran, Museums Development Officer for Cyngor Gwynedd said: 'It has been both a pleasure and a responsibility to redevelop the Museum's displays. Over the years, new displays and display cabinets had been added, but many cases from the original 1960s museum remained. "With this investment, we are able to present historical facts alongside supporting artefacts in a thoughtful manner. "This marks only the beginning of our ongoing effort to narrate the life and times of David Lloyd George and the legacies he left behind.' Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said: 'I'm delighted that the Lloyd George Museum has reopened its doors ready for the summer season. "Lloyd George remains a significant and controversial figure in Welsh, British and World history and it all started at the Highgate cottage. 'I am delighted that the museum continues to attract visitors from near and far. "We now offer a contemporary experience with engaging graphics and immersive audiovisual activities, encouraging reflection on Lloyd George's significant decisions and their lasting legacies." The design of the museum has carefully considered the building's architectural features, including its high ceilings and structural beams. Hanna Lorenz, 3D Designer for Mather & Co said: 'Working on the redevelopment of the Lloyd George Museum has been a profound privilege. "Breathing new life into spaces that stand beside his childhood home and within sight of his final resting place is to connect past, present and future. "It's more than a Museum – it's a living tribute to one of Britain's most influential figures, rooted in the very landscape that shaped him.' The Friends of the Museum are arranging an official opening on Thursday, June 26. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
North Wales Chronicle
4 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Lloyd George Museum re-opens following £280k makeover
The museum, which is in the Liberal politician's former home village of Llanystumdwy, has been given a £280,000 makeover. The money has come thanks to £250,000 funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), Cyngor Gwynedd and the Countess Lloyd George's Fund. As part of the project, museum designers Mather & Co were commissioned to modernise the displays and integrate the artefacts with the story of one of the 20th Century's most famous radicals. It is hoped that the new look will allow visitors to gain a deeper insight into the life of the famous politician and the context of his lifetime. Lloyd-George was well known for his scathing wit and debating skill in the Houses of Parliament. He also played an important role in the negotiation of the Treaty of Versailles, which led to the end of the First World War. The council says it is hoped that the thematic approach to the stories and objects presented will bring more understanding into Lloyd George's life. According to Cyngor Gwynedd, the exhibit aims to explore both the positive and negative aspects of his character, decisions and their legacy. The museum features four thematic zones, entitled: The Politician, The People, The Man, and The Legacy. 'The Politician' describes a chronological storyline that present key moments from Lloyd George's early career in Parliament, his significant roles during the First World War, and the later stages of his political life. 'The People' delves into how the press portrays political figures and their decisions, shaping public opinion. 'The Man' unfolds through two sub-themes, across different sections of the museum, Early Life and Family Life.'The Legacy' presents the impact of Lloyd George's political actions and decisions, alongside his international recognition. Key objects for visitors to look out for include Lloyd George's draft copy of the Treaty of Versailles, the first copy of the People's Budget from 1909, Chancellor of the Exchequer uniform worn by Lloyd George, and the many freedom casks gifted to him by cities and towns from Wales, England and Scotland. Megan Cynan Corcoran, Museums Development Officer for Cyngor Gwynedd said: 'It has been both a pleasure and a responsibility to redevelop the Museum's displays. Over the years, new displays and display cabinets had been added, but many cases from the original 1960s museum remained. 'With this investment, we are able to present historical facts alongside supporting artefacts in a thoughtful manner. 'This marks only the beginning of our ongoing effort to narrate the life and times of David Lloyd George and the legacies he left behind.' Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said: 'I'm delighted that the Lloyd George Museum has reopened its doors ready for the summer season. 'Lloyd George remains a significant and controversial figure in Welsh, British and World history and it all started at the Highgate cottage. 'I am delighted that the museum continues to attract visitors from near and far. 'We now offer a contemporary experience with engaging graphics and immersive audiovisual activities, encouraging reflection on Lloyd George's significant decisions and their lasting legacies.' The design of the museum has carefully considered the building's architectural features, including its high ceilings and structural beams. Hanna Lorenz, 3D Designer for Mather & Co said: 'Working on the redevelopment of the Lloyd George Museum has been a profound privilege. 'Breathing new life into spaces that stand beside his childhood home and within sight of his final resting place is to connect past, present and future. 'It's more than a Museum – it's a living tribute to one of Britain's most influential figures, rooted in the very landscape that shaped him.' The Friends of the Museum are arranging an official opening on Thursday, June 26.
