| | | This position between great powers has allowed Hungary to benefit greatly from trade between Europe and Russia—and, as a result, it is keenly interested in maintaining close economic ties with both the East and West. That’s what Ukraine should be doing - or should have been doing all along - remain friendly with all sides - and trade and do business both with the West - and Russia. Tragically, it seems, their elites had little interest in the well being of the population.
Mearsheimer is right - and I was arguing the same thing since March - Russia has no use for the non-Russian parts of Ukraine. Who wants to control a territory where the population would be happy to kill you?
After WWII - and, in some places, until the mid-50’s or even later - in many parts of Ukraine as well as Lithuania and other Baltic countries - there was armed resistance against the Soviets. And the Soviets - under Stalin, no less, could not eliminate them. And all those NKVD guys were indeed brutal. If they saw any suspicious shelter in the woods - they would throw in a grenade first, and ask questions later.
Don’t know about Ukraine, but in Lithuania, the Soviets eventually offered the “forest brothers” an amnesty. Many accepted - and, surprisingly, the Soviets kept their end of the bargain.
That’s why I say - Russia has no interest in controlling the unfriendly parts of Ukraine.
But, they do have an interest in what they call “denazification” - in making sure that the radical nationalist elements never again take control of the country. Which has important implications - they need a regime change.
What he says about the high probability of a war with China - and with Russia - I find very disturbing. This man has an uncanny grasp of geopolitics. |
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