Letters | EU diplomacy, not Nato expansion, can ensure Ukraine’s independence and Russia’s security

Readers debate how to respond to the crisis in Europe, from making Ukraine a neutral state to uniting to uphold a rules-based order and decency

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People gather in Brescia, Italy on February 28 to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 2:30pm, 2 Mar 2022Updated: 1:53pm, 9 Mar 2022

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The balance of power will ultimately find its own equilibrium. The only solution for Ukraine is something along the Austrian model. Nato membership is not an option and long-term Russian occupation is not sustainable.

At the moment what is missing is an independent EU voice with a distinctive German accent. Nato’s recent eastward expansion is not in line with European interests, which are focused on long-term regional security and economic collaboration with Russia.

Ukraine will remain divided until a pragmatic leader emerges who can speak and act for all Ukrainians in the East and West. For the time being, the only viable solution is a much smaller and strictly neutral Ukraine endorsed by the Russians and the EU, and a conclusive halt to Nato’s eastward expansion.

Economic sanctions cannot force the Russians to withdraw their soldiers from Ukraine. It requires creative diplomatic initiatives to guarantee not only Ukraine’s independence but also Russia’s security. Such initiatives have to come from EU states. Abrasive Nato expansion led by the United States is threatening European security and bringing back the spectre of the Cold War.

Regional conflict is definitely a lose-lose for all parties involved. Now, the biggest losers are the Ukrainian people, who again have lost their lives and independence while the economy is in shambles.

Khaw Wei Kang, Macau