Russia needs to stop clinging to idea of reviving Soviet Union: Ukraine
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The view from the Moscow Kremlin, and St Basil’s Cathedral.
Mikhail Japaridze | TASS | Getty Images
BRUSSELS — Russia needs to move forward in the world and stop dreaming about reconstructing the Soviet Union, a prominent Ukrainian diplomat has told CNBC as tensions with Moscow escalate.
Vsevolod Chentsov (the Ukrainian ambassador to EU) said Tuesday, “Russia must reinvent itself as an modern state and quit clinching on to the, lets say, idea reconstruction of Soviet Union.”
His comments about the Soviet bloc that collapsed in 1991 were “it’s already gone”
When Russia annexed Crimea in Ukraine, 2014 saw a marked decrease in relations between Russia and Europe. The Kremlin supported the pro-Russian rebellion in east Ukraine. Since then, low-level fighting between pro-Russian and Ukrainian forces has continued.
U.S. officials have warned that Russia might be in the process of invading the ex-Soviet republic Ukraine. This is despite the Kremlin moving close to the border with 100,000 troops. According to geopolitical experts, Moscow’s actions and any intrusion would aim to increase Russian influence elsewhere in the region.
On Sunday, Republican Senator Mitt Romney stated to NBC that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin PutinWants to establish a “type Soviet Union,” and it can’t happen.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that he believes the Soviet Union’s disintegration was a disaster for Russia. once describing it as the “greatest geopolitical tragedy” of the 20th century.
Evolution of the EU Position
Experts suggest that instead of trying to destroy the European Union which has 27 members, it is trying destabilize that bloc. Chentsov who is close to Brussels said that this was Putin’s plan.
CNBC interviewed him to say that “there is more unity among member states” and “there is more understanding of Russian activities.”
“We [have]Witness [a]”Slowly evolving EU position toward Ukraine and towards crisis,” he stated, noting the numerous visits by European officials to Kyiv.
Germany’s Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock — who is among the recent flurry of European politicians to visit Ukraine — said in Moscow on Tuesday that there is “no understandable reason” for the Russian military buildup close to Ukraine.
Her comments were accompanied by the observation that this was a dangerous move. The German reluctance to send defensive weapons for Kyiv has been criticized by Ukrainian officials.
“We would like to have more assistance. We would also like to have material assistance from our friends like Germany,” Chentsov stated, noting that they aren’t looking to attack Russia but rather to help Ukraine protect itself in case of military aggression.
Chentsov answered that Kyiv did not recognize that Germany’s decision to give weapons to Ukraine would escalate tensions further with Russia.
“We hope that Germany’s new government will… have a fresh view of the situation,” he stated.
Baerbock, Germany’s ambassador to Kyiv on Monday, dismissed the possibility of Berlin changing its mind. reportedly saying the German government will be supporting Ukraine “by other means.”
This contrasts with the U.K.’s Tuesday announcement that it will be providing defensive arms to Kyiv. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said these weapons have a “short range” and do not pose a threat to Russia, Sky News reported.
Blinken is going to Ukraine
In the meantime, U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken talked to Sergey Lavrov (Russia’s foreign affairs Minister), Tuesday, ahead of his visit to Germany and Ukraine this week.
Blinken’s Office released a press release saying that Secretary Blinken stressed the need to continue a diplomatic route in order to reduce tensions over the Russian military buildup near Ukraine.
—CNBC’s Holly Ellyatt contributed to this article.
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