Our
position on the current conflict in Ukraine
For
the reasoning behind this position, see our editorial.
The
Ukraine situation has become impossibly complex. Essentially, the
only way out is for Russia's complete withdrawal to be matched
with a complementary removal of all sanctions, step by step as
Russia retreats eastwards. At the same time, Ukraine should be
officially declared a neutral state with no ambitions to join
NATO. (This will constitute Russia's face-saving 'victory'.)
To
underline this further, NATO would be required to restate, loudly
and clearly, its initial formation as a defense alliance and
agree to step back even farther from Russian borders than they
were at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The latter,
coupled with the end of truly crippling sanctions, should be
enough incentive to bring the Russians into serious negotiations
for a peace settlement that would be in the best interests of
both sides.
What about the restitution of Crimea to
Ukraine? The United Nations could oversee a separate referendum
in Crimea to determine its future status as part of Russia or of
Ukraine and endorse the people’s choice.
G.R.
2023-01-28
|