In Ukraine, a Policy of Compromise Is the Key

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18 Şubat, 2018

Summary

This article examines Ukraine's complex geopolitical and economic situation, highlighting its dependence on Russia for energy and credit despite its declared independence. It is emphasized that a policy of compromise, fostering friendly ties with Russia while integrating with Europe, is crucial for Ukraine's stability and East-West integration, drawing parallels with Turkey's successful foreign policy approach.

Key Takeaways

Ukraine, while independent, remains highly dependent on Russia for energy and financial needs.
The Kiev administration faces an urgent financial crisis, necessitating immediate solutions.
A policy of compromise involves maintaining friendly ties with Russia while pursuing EU integration.
Ukraine should provide Moscow with guarantees that its relations with Russia and CIS countries will not suffer.
Turkey serves as a successful model for East-West integration, balancing European ties with broader international relations.
The article advocates for discarding outdated bipolar worldviews in favor of policies based on unity, love, and peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ukraine's current economic situation?

Ukraine is facing a significant financial crisis, reportedly having only three months' worth of currency reserves left, which it urgently needs to address to prevent a default.

What is Ukraine's relationship with Russia?

Ukraine is significantly dependent on Russia, especially for its energy needs and the majority of its credit. Most of Ukraine's exports are also directed to Russia.

What policy approach is recommended for Ukraine?

A policy of compromise is recommended, where Ukraine preserves friendly ties and cooperation with Russia while also signing the Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union to move closer to Europe.

What guarantees should Ukraine offer Moscow?

Ukraine should offer Moscow guarantees that its relations with Russia and other CIS countries will not suffer negative consequences as a result of closer integration with Europe.

Which country is presented as an example of successful East-West integration?

Turkey is presented as a perfect example of successful East-West integration, as it has developed close ties with Europe while also maintaining friendly economic, cultural, and social relations with other countries.

Why is the bipolar worldview considered outdated?

The bipolar worldview is considered an outdated relic of the 20th century, based on spurious notions of the East and the West, and it should be discarded in favor of unifying policies based on love and peace.

Ukraine declared its independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 and since then has been a member of the CIS. But it would be wrong to say Ukraine is truly independent. In fact, Ukraine is very dependent on Russia, especially when it comes to energy needs. Most of its exports are sent to Russia, and Russia happens to be the one country that meets the majority of Ukraine’s credit needs. Just like many other European nations, Ukraine also purchases its natural gas from Russia, and it has launched new projects to purchase even more.

The Kiev administration has been looking for ways to find some relief from the financial crisis: It is reported that Ukraine has only three months worth of currency reserves left and it needs to solve this problem urgently to prevent a default.

So, to solve the conundrum, Russia and Ukraine need to preserve their friendly ties and continue with their cooperation, while Ukraine should go on to sign the Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union to move closer to Europe.

However, it is of paramount importance that Kiev offers guarantees to Moscow that relations with Russia and other CIS countries will not face negative consequences as a result.

Ukraine should aim not only at integrating with Europe, but become one of those nations with a broader policy that will further assist east-west integration.

Turkey is the perfect example of successful East-West integration. The country accepted the Copenhagen Criteria for accession to the EU and subsequently passed a draft of transition laws; however, this has not prevented Turkey from developing friendly ties and economic, cultural and social relations with other countries.

In other words, close ties with Europe are no reason to shy away from East-West integration. There is no fundamental reason why Ukraine should not follow the same path.

It is long overdue and it is high time to discard the bipolar worldview of the past.

Countries should unite and adopt policies that are based on love and peace; the bipolar worldview is an outdated relic of the 20th century, based on spurious notions of “the East” and “the West.”

Ukraine needs to follow unifying policies and avoid falling victim to the destructive by-products of division. Mistrust and suspicion is not the way forward; understanding and common cooperation is the only way ahead.

Adnan Oktar's article on The Moscow Times and Kyiv Post:

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/opinion/article/in-ukraine-a-policy-of-compromise-is-the-key/494743.html

http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/op-ed/moscow-times-in-ukraine-a-policy-of-compromise-is-all-336975.html