Miller: Reduce the hazard of war
Leszek Miller
Three presidents have not sat down for talks, and it has already been announced “new Yalta’. In European policy, past frequently replaces analysis. Just mention the name of the Crimean hotel to trigger all fears and, by the way, release yourself from thinking.
Possible Leadership gathering USA, China and Russia may bring crucial agreements. It can besides uncover how small influence Ukraine and Europe have on their own future. The importance of this gathering will be determined by the content of the arrangements and their feasibility.
It is worth recalling the conditions under which the real Yalta was held. erstwhile Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin began the conference on 4 February 1945, the Red Army was already standing over the Oder. As of January 31, she had a cape on her western shore. There were respective twelve kilometres to Berlin. 2 months after the Yalta Conference, Odera was forced by the 1st Tadeusz Kościuszko Infantry Division. The Polish Army was the only 1 alongside the Red Army with an Allied army crossing the Oder in the Berlin offensive.
Stalin negotiated from his position the leader of the power, whose troops occupied a immense part of Central Europe. The Western Allies may have demanded guarantees and made promises, but they did not have the strength to force them to be kept. The promise of free elections in Poland proved to be worth much little than the presence of the russian army.
Today the situation is different. Russia did not win a triumph comparable to the success of the russian Union in 1945. Ukraine has retained statehood and army and Europe has large economical potential. No signature of 3 presidents will automatically make everyone else do their will.
This does not mean that fears are unfounded. Ukraine is the most susceptible to an agreement above its head. It is her territory, safety and future commitments that could be the subject of a trade fair. Dependence on external assistance limits the freedom of negotiation. Whoever delivers weapons and money besides has force tools.
This does not mean that a compromise should be rejected. Many times I wrote that ending war and saving human life are the most crucial goals. However, the agreement which Ukraine considers acceptable must be distinguished from the conditions imposed on it by the others. Peace besides requires answers to the question of who will guarantee its observance.
I don't blame the U.S. president for moving the United States business. That's what the voters anticipate from him. European leaders should find their own interests with equal seriousness and take work for their implementation. An alliance with America gains value erstwhile Europe brings strength, efficiency and ability to act.
Power talks can reduce the hazard of war, halt the arms race and open the way to end the fighting in Ukraine. It's worth taking advantage of these possibilities. At the same time, it is crucial to guarantee that peace does not become a name for the arrangement, the cost of which will be borne primarily by the absent.
Leszek MillerZa: X
