Russia – Russia Ukraine war, a European problem

 

Many people, experts and thinkers have analysed the causes of the current war between Russia and Ukraine. Most of them have touched upon the fact that one of the main reasons was the expansion of NATO. After the Second World War it was felt that Europe alone may not be able to cope up with the Soviet Union and its military might. So America took the initiative to support Europe.

The NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) came into being with the purpose of countering the threat from the erstwhile USSR. America was also a super power by then and it is no surprise that it dominated the NATO Agenda. From then on Europe was relegated to being a vassal of the US. Most of the expenses of the arms build-up on the continent of Europe  during the height of the cold war was financed by America. Naturally America got the last word in deciding the NATO strategy.

From here on we see that Europe has always played second fiddle to the US. America took upon itself to solve any problem arising in Europe. America is used to act like a policeman of the world and will intervene in any crisis anywhere. Bosnia, Herzegovina, Kosovo. NATO has not solved any problem in Europe. The current Russia Ukraine war is another example. The problem was created by NATO itself by expanding indiscriminately and unnecessarily eastwards. All Russian warnings were ignored. It was when Ukraine asked to be included in NATO that Russia called it an existential threat.

Europe could have managed this affair internally. It did not need America. European dependence on Russian Oil and Gas was well known. The EU could have talked with Russia and kept this a European affair. Russia was viewed by Europeans more as a trading partner than as an enemy. The crisis would not have spiraled to such a degree if only European countries were involved. However, when NATO entered the picture as it inevitably had to, the American perception of Russia as an enemy got prominence.  

NATO is an outdated entity in today’s geopolitical scenario in Europe. With the collapse of the USSR it had no real role to play against Russia. But since Europeans never really showed any confidence in solving their own problems, America could prevail on them to let NATO keep working as a treaty. However it had become irrelevant long back. But Europe seems to be obsessed with NATO membership. Every single country in Europe now wants to join an organization whose sell by date is long past.

Instead of accommodating Russia after the fall of the USSR, Russia was further alienated. It was never truly integrated into the European scheme of things. As a result, the trust deficit between the two sides remained. Also there are rumors that certain private mercenaries and even SAS soldiers are fighting undercover in Ukraine. If true, this does not look good for an early solution to the conflict. Russia has threatened to use its nuclear weapons if America and the west does not stop its proxy war.

Decoding what Putin wants from this war is the key here. The analysts have not been able to decipher that yet. Meanwhile, arms, ammunition and other equipment is now pouring into Ukraine. This is exactly what should have been avoided if the war is to end soon. NATO (read American) involvement has exacerbated the situation. The Russia Ukraine war is now predicted to become a protracted conflict which will engulf other countries of Europe. 

America thinks the Ukraine war is a no holds barred wrestling match. NATO is trying its best to defeat Russia on the battlefield. But this will not happen. Diplomacy is the only way to stop this conflict. Unfortunately nobody seems to have realised that giving arms to Ukraine is tantamount to pouring oil into the fire. Taking a back seat (read a compromise) is unthinkable for the West. 

The final solution of this war will have to be by diplomacy and talks, not weapons or sanctions The Europeans may have to provide Russia with a face saver or a palatable compromise, to help stop the war. Whether that could be negotiated under the auspices of NATO remains to be seen.