geopolitical scientist Jean-Antoine Duprat analyzes the retreat of Russian troops in certain areas

kyiv (Ukraine) is no longer surrounded and Russian troops seem to have retreated in certain areas of the country. The question is whether it is a permanent withdrawal or not. “The Russians have nevertheless gotten us a little used to saying one thing and doing the opposite. A priori, it would be true, now why? Is it to go and lead an even tougher offensive in the region of Mariupol to try to gain the city definitively, even if it means coming back afterwards for other offensives? Or are we heading towards the end of this special operation? It is the hope that we can to have”declares Jean-Antoine Duprat, geopolitical scientist and associate professor at Paris IV Sorbonne University, on the set of 23 Hours of franceinfo, Saturday April 2.

In Russia, war opponents have been arrested while demonstrating against the conflict in Ukraine. According to Jean-Antoine Duprat, Vladimir Putin is “more and more suspicious. I think that the very average results he is obtaining on the pitch do not go in the direction of appeasement, at least in his mind. We risk having to deal with an awakening a little of protest in Russia and then conversely, unfortunately, a strengthening of repression”he announces.

Pope Francis is invited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to come to Ukraine to mediate with Russia. Jean-Antoine Duprat believes he could have an influence in this conflict. “He plays a very important geopolitical role. He obviously has moral advice to give, he is the head of the Church. He also speaks to the Orthodox Church, we must not forget that. So he has a voice that can wear. That said, he does not take sides, he calls for peace”says the geopolitical scientist.