Macron Tries to Avert a European War and Reshape European Security
PARIS — The standoff with Russia over Ukraine enters a critical phase this week. The United States has snapped NATO to attention and moved forces east. Moscow has readied still more forces on the Ukraine border. But beneath those tensions, diplomatic avenues are being feverishly explored and the outlines of potential solutions, still amorphous, may be taking form.
“Do we want a Russia that is totally aligned with China or one that is somewhere between China and Europe?” Bruno Le Maire, the French economy minister, who is very close to Macron, said Friday as Russia and China declared “no limits” to their friendship and called on NATO to “abandon its ideologized Cold War approaches.”
It’s a tall order, but Macron has never lacked for audacity. He will need to tread carefully. “There’s frustration in European countries, including Germany, with Mr. Macron’s tendency to forge ahead and then yell at them for not doing anything,” said Jeremy Shapiro, a former State Department official who is now the research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. “That weakens him.”
The second, in close consultation with Biden, is to secure a concrete signal of de-escalation that reverses the Russian military buildup and, as a means to achieving that, explores what Putin’s ultimate “red line” is in the confrontation. “We can take a step toward Putin, recognize he is not completely wrong,” said Justin Vaïsse, the former head of policy planning at the French foreign ministry who now heads the Paris Peace Forum.
“Conceivably the arms control offers of the other day could be combined with some sort of consultative mechanism for changes in NATO status, or some sort of moratorium on NATO expansion, or some creative interpretation of the Minsk agreement that gives a Donbas constituent assembly veto powers over what the government will do,” Shapiro the former State Department official, suggested.
Russia, in a creative interpretation of these “specificities,” has argued that they should include granting the elected representatives in these areas a veto on Ukrainian foreign policy decisions, including membership in NATO. In this way, Ukraine would effectively become part of Russia’s sphere of influence.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Kremlin Is Top Destination for Spooked European LeadersThe Kremlin has become a top destination for European leaders spooked at the prospect of war in Ukraine
Les mer »
Crazy Photos Show Sea of Dead Fish After Trawler Net BurstsA burst trawler net has deposited more than 100,000 dead fish off the coast of France, drawing cries of outrage from conservationists and government officials
Les mer »
Where 19 Stylish People Always Stay in Las VegasStaying in Vegas doesn’t prescribe a stay on the Strip; there are plenty of off-Strip hotels, including one that puts you right next to Red Rock Canyon’s hiking trails
Les mer »
Which Countries Have Won the Most Winter Olympic Medals?Between the United States, Canada and a contingent of European nations, these 10 countries have earned the most medals in Winter Olympic history.
Les mer »
USD/JPY Weekly Forecast: A week of surprises and the US economy counterpunchesUSDJPY Weekly Forecast: A week of surprises and the US economy counterpunches The BOE and the ECB forged ahead in the rate competition this week, dragging currencies with them against the dollar.
Les mer »
Europe's carbon price nears the 100 euro milestoneThe price of permits in the European Union's carbon market closed at a record high above 96 euros on Friday, with analysts expecting the symbolic 100 euro level could soon be breached.
Les mer »