Russia will always be a neighbour of Europe, and in such a capacity it cannot influence what is happening in the region. This was announced today on the final day of the Munich Conference on Security Policy by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier."European experience shows that in both good times and bad Russia is our neighbour and will continue to influence the reality in Europe. But we cannot ignore the fact that, 70 years after the end of the Second World War, there are again attempts to change borders in Europe by force," he explained.The German Foreign Minister called for an active search for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukrainian: "With our capabilities we need to defuse the conflict, and it would be irresponsible not to use any of these chances."Steinmeier also said that Russia has put forward the idea of becoming part of the European security architecture. "We need to talk with Russia about it, about her vision of what a contribution it can make," he said.US Secretary of State John Kerry said that, despite all the debate and disagreement on matters of arms supplies to Ukraine or the imposition of sanctions, these are tactical, not strategic contradictions. The strategic goal is a united West, according to Kerry.The secretary also acknowledged that mistakes that the US made in Iraq have led to the release of radical forces there, suppressed for many years.As usual, a very hard position was taken by Republican Senator John McCain, who demanded the beginning of arms deliveries to Ukraine. McCain said: "Putin does not want a diplomatic solution, he wants to dominate the Ukraine, as well as all the other neighbours of Russia. It can only work with a tactical ploy, but believe me, it's a trick."A day earlier, McCain and his fellow Republicans criticised Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany for failing to supply weapons to the Ukrainian army. "How many more people must die in Ukraine to have your illusions shattered?" McCain asked.
Russia will always be a neighbour of Europe, and in such a capacity it cannot influence what is happening in the region. This was announced today on the final day of the Munich Conference on Security Policy by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
"European experience shows that in both good times and bad Russia is our neighbour and will continue to influence the reality in Europe. But we cannot ignore the fact that, 70 years after the end of the Second World War, there are again attempts to change borders in Europe by force," he explained.
The German Foreign Minister called for an active search for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukrainian: "With our capabilities we need to defuse the conflict, and it would be irresponsible not to use any of these chances."
Steinmeier also said that Russia has put forward the idea of becoming part of the European security architecture. "We need to talk with Russia about it, about her vision of what a contribution it can make," he said.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said that, despite all the debate and disagreement on matters of arms supplies to Ukraine or the imposition of sanctions, these are tactical, not strategic contradictions. The strategic goal is a united West, according to Kerry.
The secretary also acknowledged that mistakes that the US made in Iraq have led to the release of radical forces there, suppressed for many years.
As usual, a very hard position was taken by Republican Senator John McCain, who demanded the beginning of arms deliveries to Ukraine. McCain said: "Putin does not want a diplomatic solution, he wants to dominate the Ukraine, as well as all the other neighbours of Russia. It can only work with a tactical ploy, but believe me, it's a trick."
A day earlier, McCain and his fellow Republicans criticised Chancellor Angela Merkel and Germany for failing to supply weapons to the Ukrainian army. "How many more people must die in Ukraine to have your illusions shattered?" McCain asked.
