Intelligence Squared The Sunday Debate: The West Should Seek a Compromise with Russia Over Ukraine
Feb 20, 2022
Anatol Lieven, a Senior Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute, shares his insights on the escalating military tensions between Russia and Ukraine. He discusses the complex options for the West, emphasizing the importance of negotiating compromises while respecting Ukrainian sovereignty. The conversation explores historical contexts, the intricate dynamics of the Donbass conflict, and the broader geopolitical implications of Western responses to Russia. Key points revolve around the need for meaningful dialogue and the risks associated with military aggression.
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Russia's Consistent Demands
- Russia consistently demands NATO troop removal from Eastern Europe and no further NATO expansion.
- These demands aren't new from Putin; every Russian government has held this position since the 1990s.
West's Hollow Commitment to Ukraine
- The West won't and can't defend Ukraine militarily, making NATO membership symbolic, not substantial.
- Bringing Ukraine into NATO would require significant troop deployments, distracting from other global issues.
Historical Precedents of Compromise
- Europe has historically compromised with the US, Turkey, and India in disputes.
- This suggests compromise with Russia over Ukraine is also a viable option, given past precedents.
