Irish Examiner view: Importance of words during a war

As Putin claims 'it’s not us who is refusing to negotiate, it’s them', 40 rocket attacks were launched from Russia at Ukraine

Given the duplicitous game Putin has been playing since he claimed forces massing on the Ukrainian border before the invasion last February were involved only in “planned military exercises”, it is no surprise the Russian leader’s words are treated with suspicion, if not downright scorn. Picture: Sergey Fadeichev/Pool Photo/AP

Invidious claims coming from the Kremlin on Christmas Day indicated president Vladimir Putin was willing to work towards a negotiated settlement to his illegal and merciless war against Ukraine. 

The Russian leader’s words, however, were laced with insincerity and left the distinct impression he was speaking with a forked tongue.