We've been getting this manicured image of Russia, isolated, standing alone against the world over its occupation of eastern Ukraine and, especially, Crimea. Then again, we do tend to see ourselves, the West, as the world.
Vlad Putin sees the world differently. He sees China and he's looking for China's support over the Ukraine business to offset Western opprobrium.
The situation in Ukraine was discussed Monday at consultations in Moscow between Chinese deputy Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping and his Russian counterpart, Grigory Karasin.
“The Chinese side expressed understanding of Russia's analysis of reasons behind the deep political crisis in Ukraine and the role of external forces that acted to support Euromaidan,” Russia foreign ministry said, referring to the informal name of the uprising that culminated with the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych.
Moscow has routinely blamed the United States and the European Union of lending the protest movement their support, while some lawmakers have claimed Western governments offered funding and training to demonstrators.
The Foreign Ministry said China blames Ukraine’s opposition for failing to comply with an EU-brokered agreement with Yanukovych on February 21 to end the months-long political standoff that had gripped the country.
So, yes, we might stomp our feet and refuse to attend Russia's G8 party in Soschi and toss a tantrum here or there but that's not going to sway a tough like Vlad Putin.
Something tells me that this game of chicken isn't going to end well.
ReplyDeleteOwen, I'm not overly pessimistic on this. I think we'll push Putin until we realize he won't budge. After that it's Realpolitik time especially if he gets China's backing.
ReplyDeleteElsewhere, some are saying' boycott Russian oil and gas - keep it out of Europe". Such a move could lead to massive energy sales by Russia to China. As a result Europe would be cold and Harper a failure.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard European leaders calling for a boycott of Russian gas. Harper, sure. That's his way.
ReplyDeleteI was referring to other blogs. I'm sure the Europeans don't want to freeze in the dark. Extensive sanctions may be too much pain for no gain in the EU.
ReplyDeleteAfter WW2 , the US military insanity that saw Curtis Lemay suggest nuking Moskow ( an ally) led to the USSR's need for buffer states for protection from the west. Are we now seeing Rusia wanting the Ukraine as a buffer against a hostile EU/Nato?