Russia ready for more talks to end crisis

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated15/02/2022

Russia held the door open to further talks on resolving its standoff with the West
It further added that some of its military drills were ending, signalling a possible easing of the crisis over Ukraine.

Ukraine has become the focus of geopolitical attention in recent weeks as Russian troop buildup along its eastern border and a list of demands from the Kremlin have prompted threats of sanctions by the West and military deployment by NATO allies.
While the comments from the Russian President offer hope of de-escalation, the reports said Russia had strengthened its forces amassed on the border with Ukraine over the weekend.
Ukraine has demanded an urgent meeting with Russia and other members of the pan-European security body, the OSCE, to explain Moscow’s troop movements.
European leaders have warned that the build-up is the worst threat to the continent’s security since the Cold War, with Putin demanding a rollback of Western influence in eastern Europe and a ban on Ukraine joining NATO.

Western allies have prepared a package of economic sanctions in response to any attack.
Moscow has repeatedly said it has no plans to attack Ukraine.
The alarm has been fuelled by recent Russian military exercises, including with Belarus, where the U.S. said Moscow had dispatched 30,000 troops for more than a week of drills.
U.S. intelligence officials worry that weeks of crisis talks have given Russia the time to prepare a major offensive

Germany plays a central role in efforts to mediate in eastern Ukraine, where a gruelling conflict with Russian-backed separatists has claimed more than 14,000 lives.
But Berlin’s close business relations with Moscow and heavy reliance on Russian natural gas imports have been a source of lingering concern for Kiev’s pro-Western leaders and U.S. President team.
Brussels will wait for the results of Mr Scholz’s visit to the Kremlin
An emergency summit was “possible” if needed when EU leaders gather in Brussels for the Africa meeting.
Ukraine’s membership is a sticking point in discussions between Russia and the West, which has spurned a demand from Moscow that Kiev never be admitted to the U.S.-led military bloc.

Russia will need allies in case of war. Presently, China is considered its big ally, especially after sanctions.
China is also supporting that Ukraine should not become a member of NATO.
In such a situation, if there is a ban on Russia from the western countries and US, then China can compensate for it.
This will further increase the closeness of China and Russia, which can have a bad effect on the friendship of India and Russia.
About 60% of India's military supplies come from Russia, and this is a very important aspect.
India and Russia have signed several important defence agreements, including the S400 missile system and AK-203 assault rifle.
India and China already face to face in eastern Ladakh. In this situation, India cannot take any risk to spoil relations with Russia.
America is also an important partner of India. America has always supported India on many important occasions and issues.
In such a situation, it would be difficult for India to bargain either with Russia or with the USA.

International cooperation is needed to solve the ever-increasing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Both the countries should restrain from any move leading to escalation of the tension.