‘He will be stopped’ Putin critic reveals how NATO can force Russia into peace talks – Express

Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once the richest man in Russia and now known as the "Kremlins leading critic-in-exile", knows exactly how the West can twist Vladimir Putins arm and force Russia to the negotiating table with Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron has been particularly active in trying to negotiate a settlement with Putin but has so far failed. He even suggested Ukraine should cede territory to Russia so Putin can somehow deliver some sort of victory to Russian citizens.

When asked whether Putin should be given concession as French President Emmanuel Macron did, Mr Khodorkovsky told CBC News: "Im sure its not right. You need to show Putin strength.

"You need to show him that if he doesnt stop, then he will be stopped. You need to give Ukraine three, four or five weapon systems that are equal to Putins military weapons.

"Only at the moment you show Putin that if he doesnt stop, he will be stopped can negotiations begin."

He added the main flaw of Western leaders is their incapacity to negotiate with "criminal" leaders.

He said: "In their lives, many Western leaders never communicated much with criminals.

"The communication rules in a criminals world are completely different from the rules that theyre used to.

"Like the respectable Mr Macron whos been trying to negotiate with Putin when Putin considers himself with the upper hand.

"This only provokes Putin to be even more aggressive. Thats what Im afraid Western leaders dont understand."

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When asked how Putins regime will end, he said: "As long as Putin is able to show the Russian army and the people that hes winning, theres no threat to him.

"But at the moment that he loses, right at that moment, the situation will become absolutely different for him and most likely hell lose power along with his life."

In the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, he acquired Yukos, the worlds most valuable oil company and made a fortune until he grew critical of Putins regime and its rampant corruption.

He was charged and found guilty of embezzlement in a trial that was viewed as politically motivated. Eight years after Putin pardoned him, he wants to help the West bring the Ukraine war to a halt.

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'He will be stopped' Putin critic reveals how NATO can force Russia into peace talks - Express