[CYPRUS TIMES] The possibility of a general conflict in Ukraine and the aspirations of the two sides. Internationalist Christos Iakovou on CT

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Geopolitical game for nerves at a time when war sirens are sounding in eastern Ukraine The US and the West are convinced of an imminent Russian invasion Moscow denies it The internationalist Christos Iakovou responds to the Cyprus Times on the possibility of a general conflict and the aspirations of the two sides

The tough geopolitical "poker game" over Ukraine is in full swing, but there seems to be no way out at this stage through diplomatic channels. In contrast, the situation in eastern Ukraine in the last week smells of gunpowder more than ever. At a time when the US and the West are almost convinced that there will soon be a Russian invasion, Moscow is denying it while demonstrating its power.

Fears of a generalised conflict have begun to multiply in the last 24 hours but this is not currently expected to happen, according to internationalist Christos Iakovou, who spoke to the Cyprus Times.

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"A generalised conflict is not expected now. More likely there will be a clash between the Russian-speaking rebels, who are reinforced by Russia, and the Ukrainian army in Donbass. The Russian-speaking rebels, apart from being reinforced by Russia, are confident as there are Russian soldiers near the border. Therefore, they are given the opportunity to undermine or create a crisis in the Ukrainian state," Dr. Iakovou said.

On the other hand, he noted, the Ukrainian army is reacting, resulting in this tense situation. He estimated that this is how the situation will develop, but stressed that everything is unpredictable as to how long this will last and whether it will take a more belligerent turn.

What the two sides are seeking

Asked what are the goals of the two sides, Dr. Iakovou said that "on the one hand Russia wants to undermine the Ukrainian government in order to force it not to proceed either to further tighten relations with NATO or even to membership."

The Ukrainian government, he added, will want to constantly demonstrate its sovereignty by challenging Russian threats.

Asked to comment on the fact that on Saturday the Russian president watched nuclear weapons exercises from the Kremlin operations center with his close ally, his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, said that in this way he was showing his strength and also sending military signals that they are determined to strike if Russian interests are threatened.

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