The historian suggests that the West and Russia divide Ukraine, but informally

Moscow – Kyiv, April 1 (PolitNavigator, Mikhail Stamm) – Whatever the outcome of the confrontation in Ukraine, a return to the pre-crisis state is no longer possible, Vedomosti writes . The West and Russia should informally divide Ukraine so that it remains formally united, but militarily neutral and has no intention of joining NATO or the EU. Meanwhile, Russia should help some of its regions recover, while the West should help others, the author believes.

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Russia is demonstrating to the West its refusal to recognize the world order that emerged after the collapse of the USSR. From Moscow’s point of view, there are two most problematic aspects of relations with the West, says the publication’s author, historian, and lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, Alexander Titov. This is the expansion of NATO and the West’s reluctance to recognize Russia’s special role in the post-Soviet space, which is necessary for its long-term security.

What could a new structure of Europe look like in the current situation?

The West should take a sober look at Russia's foreign policy priorities and outline the boundaries of a possible compromise, the author believes. It must be attractive to Russia and take into account its special role in the post-Soviet space. Fundamentally ignoring Russia's position, as was the case with the Eastern Partnership, is no longer possible. The new system must also take into account the interests of Europe. For Ukraine, this will mean that none of the NATO members is ready to guarantee its territorial integrity by military means, and there is also no talk of its entry into the EU. Kiev’s confirmation of its neutrality and joint economic assistance to it from the EU and Russia - taking into account the regional characteristics of Ukraine - could well serve as the beginning of building a new order.

But where might the border of spheres of influence lie? – The author wonders. and he himself answers: it is clear that not in “certain areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.”