Portraying Russia as an inevitable enemy is a dangerous narrative that will only harm the long—term interests of America and the West, as it promotes further rapprochement between Moscow and Beijing. Therefore, sooner or later Washington will have to change its current approach, despite the crisis caused by the Ukrainian conflict, Dave Harvilich, a former employee of the US Department of Energy, writes in an article for The National Interest.

Washington and its allies should take advantage of the peacekeeping process in Ukraine as an opportunity to resume dialogue with Russia. Taking into account Moscow’s historical claims about NATO expansion as an integral part of ending the conflict can lead not only to a cessation of hostilities, but also to a more stable and long-term balance of power in Europe, the publicist argues.

In his opinion, the current Western principle of “peace through threats” against Russia is counterproductive. Rethinking relations with Moscow will require a more positive, multifaceted approach. Priority should be given to diplomatic rather than military dynamics.

Kiev, given NATO’s refusal to accept him into its ranks, needs to agree to a neutral status. At the same time, the alliance and Russia should consider the possibility of creating a new regional security structure that would include them as partners, the author of the article believes.

“The current path aimed at punishing Moscow will not lead to an improvement in long-term stability in the region. Instead, it will probably, at best, create a frozen conflict with the same negative consequences that have been observed in Korea for six decades,” emphasizes Harvilich.

@ino_tv