Ukraine ready to discuss neutrality, Zelensky says

Russia sent troops into Ukraine on Thursday, with President Vladimir Putin declaring a special military operation to “demilitarize and denazify” the country. Moscow has since told Kiev that it would consider negotiating with the Zelensky government if it agrees to discuss neutral status for the country, among other things.

By Read via RT

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Seven years ago, Henry Kissinger: To settle the Ukraine crisis, start at the end

‘Ukraine should not join NATO… But if Ukraine is to survive and thrive, it must not be either side’s outpost against the other — it should function as a bridge between them. Internationally, Ukraine should pursue a posture comparable to that of Finland. That nation leaves no doubt about its fierce independence and cooperates with the West in most fields but carefully avoids institutional hostility toward Russia.”

By Henry A. Kissinger/Read via The Washington Post

View More Seven years ago, Henry Kissinger: To settle the Ukraine crisis, start at the end

Putin’s public approval is soaring during the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but it’s unlikely to last

Russia’s military buildup along the Ukrainian border over the last few months coincides with a steady rise in Putin’s popularity. Most Russians don’t want war, and half of Russians blame the current crisis on the U.S. and NATO, while 16% think Ukraine is the aggressor. Just 4% believe Russia is responsible.

By Arik Burakovsky

View More Putin’s public approval is soaring during the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but it’s unlikely to last

This Is the Russia-China Friendship That Nixon Feared

“What the West is doing now is the exact opposite of what Nixon did back then,” Adrian Geiges, a co-author of the forthcoming “Xi Jinping: The Most Powerful Man in the World,” told me. “Russia and China are not natural partners. They are partners because of the common enemy — the United States and Western Europe.”

By Farah Stockman/Read via New York Times

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What’s NATO, and why does Ukraine want to join?

NATO’s key, traditional principle is “collective defense.” This means an attack on one or more members is considered an attack on all members. Ukraine membership would also help the country build a closer relationship with the U.S. But regional tensions could be exacerbated if Ukraine becomes a NATO member, as Russia has said it would interpret the alliance’s expansion as a direct threat.

By Alastair Kocho-Williams

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Why church conflict in Ukraine reflects historic Russian-Ukrainian tensions

Today, the two major rival expressions of Orthodoxy in Ukraine reflect two different historical visions of the relationship between Russians and Ukrainians. The future of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is unclear. It enjoys the support of several of its sister churches. At the same time, it faces fierce opposition from Moscow. For now, it remains a source of controversy between Russia and Ukraine.

By J. Eugene Clay

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Why Biden’s threat to slap Russia with more sanctions is unlikely to deter Putin in Ukraine

The Biden administration is threatening harsh, “high impact” sanctions against Russia if it invades Ukraine. Policymakers claim that sanctions are an effective means of achieving policy goals. But is that true? Are new measures against Moscow likely to be successful?

By David Cortright

View More Why Biden’s threat to slap Russia with more sanctions is unlikely to deter Putin in Ukraine