How will the West respond to Russia's security concerns? | Inside Story

On Tuesday, Russia's President Vladimir Putin warned of an appropriate response unless Europe and the US drop their agressive posturing on Ukraine.
The Kremlin has been rejecting accusations that it is preparing to invade Kiev as early as next month.
It wants the NATO and the US to reduce their presence in eastern Europe.
Europe says Putin's demands are impossible to keep while Washington is preparing to negotiate over his security concerns.

So, does diplomacy have a chance?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra

Guests:

Pavel Felgenhauer, Military Analyst and Columnist for Novaya Gazeta

Thorsten Benner, Co-founder and director of the Global Public Policy Institute

David DesRoches, Professor at National Defense University and Former NATO Operations Director at the Joint Chief of Staff


#RussiaUkraineTensions #Putin #InsideStory

[oceanwave]

At first, we think Russia is unreasonable because Ukraine should be able to follow whatever path they like, e.g. join NATO. But if we think of the history of the human world, especially the Cuba missile crisis back then when Russia and the US were on edge of nuclear war, suddenly we understand Russia's concern. If the US could behave that way (afraid of being attacked with missles with little time to counter), why doesn't Russia?

[farzinmirmotahari]

It's quite funny that Aljazeera always has Pavel Felgenhauer speak from the Russian point of view. Pavel is quite talented and knowledgable, but intensely anti-Putin and anti-Kremlin. You could feel the disdain in his voice when he spoke about the Russian leadership wanting to bring together ethnic Russians who were left outside of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This is not unusual for the liberal elite in Moscow. They have much disdain for conservative, ethnic Russians, as well as for various non-Russian ethnic groups within Russia itself. Actually, the liberal elite like Pavel love the West first and foremost, and would like to see themselves as part of that West. The rest of Russia and ethnic Russians ... they don't really care for these "peasants" from their point of view.

[baruasafi]

After reading many of the comments, I realize that the majority of the people don't know the history of Europe and conflicts. Even after WW1 and WW2, Europeans never learntt a lesson. Bye bye Europe and western civilization in general.

[projectzet]

look how close they've put their country to our military bases.

[charlesobekpa]

In my humble opinion the onus is on Ukraine to maintain the balancing act. While they may have reasons to want to be free from the shadow of Moscow, it is a very difficult goal to achieve especially with the current Russian leadership and historical events. I think the Ukrainian leadership should learn to maintain good relations with Moscow without selling their sovereignty.

[jcentricity]

What we are seeing is "balancing" in terms of geo politics. US invaded Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria. Russia + China just can't sit their waiting to be surrounded by NATO and conquered like other countries so Russia started "balancing" or "pushing back" they invaded Crimea they supported Assad in Syria to balance things in middle east and pushes back against the West in middle east. China started balancing and pushing back against West in South China Sea. West with invasions createe too much power imbalance in the world so the East is "balancing" and "pushing back" against the West aka "the great power competition" East can no longer afford to sit their being defensive waiting to be surrounded with missiles and nuclear weapons which emerged from AUKUS deal. East must be more proactive to push back against the West and continue hypersonic missile development to counter the West.

[thenewjord]

Hard to believe this is the 30 year anniversial month of the Soviet Union's death

[Gguy]

China: "Hey there. Couldn't help but notice you're occupied with Russia. I'm just gonna mosey on by and grab some Taiwan."

WW3 could happen tommorow you guys

[borincod]

why nobody represents the opposite side? Is it called journalism these days?

[MrThartofwar]

fair enough, Putin has been warning for some time about the missile systems on boarder, west claims it is just defensive, but the same systems can be used offensively.

[insomniacresurrected]

NATO promised Ukraine membership in 2008. Brzezinski said that the West must include Ukraine to exert pressure on Russia, I read that already 10 years ago.

[exist]

Seeing putin holding an ar variant makes me feel honored as an american that one of the best battle weapons in history made it into his hands. I support peace with russia not the strange creepy people of NATO the u.s. shouldnt be a part of in the first place. Russia is no enemy to the u.s. or the world.

[williamzabel]

I've read the rules for NATO membership, and Ukraine does not qualify. They have to regain control of Donbass and to get Crimea back under their governmental control and deal with corruption in Kiev. They've done none of this.

[igbc]

18% inflation sounds like USA, 40% of people with no savings sounds like USA, cold winter sounds like EU

[umneang]

Russia had ability to prevent its country from US and NATO invasion without supporting from its alliances.

[Zov]

Russia isn’t on the same league as Syria or Iraq, dudes lol

[trustymove]

I wonder what would those who support the armament and inclusion of Ukraine into NATO say if Russia does the same thing in Mexico or, ... Cuba (again)?

[jaggec]

"40% of Russians don't have savings at all". Considering that 29% of Americans don't have any savings at all... is that an argument that has stop Americans to defend their interest by military means?

[stephencunningham]

A lot of poor people, sounds like the US

[ronalddunlap]

Putin actually has a legitimate request.Back off on any NATO military bases being put in Ukraine. How would any other country like missiles installed near their border. Putin is a bad character on the worlds stage but we don't need to put pressure on him like that.