Kissinger stressed giving a chance to Russia to rejoin the international system while backing Ukraine
On Tuesday, Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State, said that if a peace deal with Russia-Ukraine needs to be negotiated, Russia needs to rejoin the international system.
“This may seem very hollow to nations that have been under Russian pressure for much of the Cold War period,” Kissinger stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, via video link.
The Russian feels it is waging war with the west as the war continues. Thus, avoiding an escalation of conflict between the western powers and Russia is crucial.
He conveyed that “(this) may cause Russia to reevaluate its historical position, which was an amalgam of an attraction to the culture of Europe and a fear of domination by Europe.”
“The destruction of Russia as a state that can pursue its own policies will open up the vast area of its 11 time zones to internal conflict and outside intervention at the time when there are 15,000 and more nuclear weapons on its territory.”
“So this is why I believe in dialogue with Russia while the war continues, an end of fighting when the prewar line is reached, and a continuing process of discussion by Europe, America and at that point Russia … while the conditions of sanctions and other pressures will be maintained until a final settlement is reached.”
“I believe this is the way to prevent the war from escalating,” he continued.
Ukrainian membership in NATO
In May, when Kissinger suggested ceding some land to Russia to achieve a peace deal, he was criticized by the Ukrainian politician.
He further stressed that until a cease-fire line is accepted or reached in preliminary discussion, the U.S. should continuously provide military assistance and, if necessary, strengthen support to Ukraine.
While praising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his “heroic conduct of the Ukrainian people,” Kissinger firmly believes that one day Ukraine would be a member of NATO, and that would be an “appropriate outcome.”
Kissinger maintained office as a state secretary and national security advisor between 1973 and 1977, and 1969 and 1975, respectively serving President Nixon and Ford.
Kissinger was secretary of state between 1973 and 1977 under Presidents Nixon and Ford and served as national security advisor between 1969 and 1975. He played a key role while being on the U.S. detente with then the Soviet Union and reconciliation with China. However, he also presided over highly contentious choices, including the bombing and military operations in Cambodia.
- Published By Team Nation Press News
