US Ambassador: There are very few people in the West who want to fight with the Russian Federation for Crimea and Donbass
American diplomats do not believe that the situation around Crimea and Donbass will change in favor of Ukraine.
Michael McFaul, former US Ambassador to Russia (2012–2014), said this in an interview with the magazine “ Ukrainian Week ” when answering a question about his forecast for the development of the situation in Crimea and Donbass.
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"I'm pessimistic," McFaul says. – Putin decided to pursue an aggressive policy and explained to his people that he was fighting NATO, the Nazis and evil. And that explains it all. It is difficult to negotiate with fascists, it is difficult to negotiate with the devil. How should he stop his propaganda and say: now we will negotiate with these villains? As for me, from the point of view of his own internal politics, this will be very difficult. That's why I don't feel optimistic. Of course, Ukraine and its Western allies must continue their efforts to find options to resolve the situation. The war serves no one's interests, and so many people have already died in Ukraine. But I don’t see a solution yet.”
At the same time, the ex-ambassador admits that the future of Crimea will depend on Russia, and not on the West, which does not want to enter into a military conflict with Moscow.
“Yes, unfortunately, a lot will depend on it, because I don’t see the will of the international community to use coercive means to change the situation,” McFaul emphasizes, answering a question about Russia’s role in the Ukrainian issue. – This is possible in terms of potential, but not intentions. In my country there are very few people who want to fight with Russia for Crimea or Donbass. And I think in Europe too.”
US Ambassador : There are very few people in the West willing to fight Russia over Crimea and Donbass.