The desire to engage in dialogue with the Kremlin and to build good relations with Putin would be disastrous for Ukraine, would directly endanger Europe’s own security, and would run entirely counter to Europe’s current policy of pressure and isolation.
Russia continues to set new records in its attacks against Ukraine, violates every international obligation it has undertaken, and shows not the slightest willingness to end its aggression. In this situation, holding talks with the Kremlin will not move us forward — it would only offer Putin the spotlight he craves, and present a chance to issue new demands aimed at weakening our own security.
For Russia, the wish to sit at the Kremlin’s table would demonstrate Western weakness, provide an opportunity to play European Union member states against one another, create divisions among allies and partners, and allow Putin to portray himself as breaking out of isolation. Putin wishes to show that time is working in his favour, and the western allies, mainly Europe, will not hold out in supporting Ukraine.
We must not repeat a mistake that has been made time and again and rush to restore relations with Russia, which has not taken a single step towards change. The West’s muted response to the war in Georgia and the annexation of Crimea, as well as the process of negotiating the Minsk agreements, have already shown that Western goodwill produces no results if Russia does not abandon its imperialist course.
Instead of dialogue, the only way forward is to continue along the path of strong support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Russia.
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