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Topic:

Westsplaining

Country:

USA & Europe

Issue:

Article ID:

34

Title:

Opinion: The West cannot use its values to make sense of Russia

Author:

Julian McBride

Date:

October 9, 2024

Source:

Kyiv Independent

Reference:

Summary:

Quotes:

The West's failure to deter Putin's military ambitions is a direct result of its persistent belief that a show of goodwill can disarm a leader who values strength above all...During the last decade, Western governments, analysts, and media personalities have struggled to understand Russia’s actions and renewed imperial aggression in Ukraine...The fundamental error is that we apply our own standards to analyze Moscow’s actions. Because of this, the war continues, as the Russian government and society operate under different expectations... The West should not expect any opposition or potential coup to emerge during the war. Instead, the West should continue providing substantial military aid to Ukraine and training Kyiv's new forces after the mobilization, as the best way to apply pressure on Russia’s ruling elite is through the destruction of their pride – the military. Ultimately, Russia has managed to escalate not only in Ukraine but also in Georgia and Syria by blackmailing the world with nuclear weapons. This policy was exacerbated after the decimation of the Wagner Group during the Battle of Khasham against U.S. forces. Nevertheless, Ukraine has demonstrated that Russia’s “red lines” concerning potential nuclear weapon use aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. Ukraine successfully liberated territory in Kherson that Russia claims as its own, forced the Black Sea Fleet to withdraw, and launched incursions into Kursk – yet Russia did not respond with nuclear weapons. Western politicians and analysts need to remember that Putin and Russia will always respond to weakness and escalate at the sight of fear. The only way to maintain peace is to respond firmly and prepare for any scenario, including war.

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