They only talked about this exchange: political scientist refutes theories about a “deal” between Russia and the West

They only talked about this exchange: political scientist refuted theories about a “fixed deal” between Russia and the West Angela Figin

Amid the prisoner exchange, conspiracy theories are spreading on social networks about an alleged behind-the-scenes agreement between Russia and the West. In particular, about ending the war in Ukraine.

On air on 24 Channel political scientist Vladimir Fesenko assured that there are no geopolitical agreements or warming in relations between the West and Russia. It is only about exchanging prisoners. In addition, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that there is no connection between the prisoner exchange talks and the war in Ukraine.

No “deal”

As part of the exchange, the United States exchanged 16 people, including 5 Germans and 7 Russian citizens, whom the White House called “political prisoners in their own country.” At the same time, 8 people were handed over to Moscow.

The negotiations on this exchange were very difficult and have been going on since 2022. They fell through several times, Fesenko noted.

An important detail, now confirmed by both the Americans and the Russians, is that the negotiations were mainly carried out by the special services. Usually, the special services are better negotiators than politicians. They work without emotions, often quite cynically, do not think about legal and humanitarian restrictions.

It is always important for Americans to save their citizens. According to the political scientist, the issue of exchanging Russian oppositionists first arose only for Alexei Navalny, and then when he died in the colony, the Americans developed a guilt complex, saying that the US did not help, did not have time, and now other oppositionists may die.

I understand this logic of the US and Western countries. In the West, they also fought for the release of Soviet dissidents. It is unlikely that there could have been negotiations in a broader sense, Fesenko said.

The only thing that could influence further peace agreements from these negotiations is Turkey's participation as a mediator.This is an important point, because Turkey has once again provided a platform for the exchange procedure. Therefore, now Ankara's chances of becoming one of the mediators in future peace negotiations are significantly increasing.