The growing influence of pro-Russian forces on Ukrainian politics makes it difficult to negotiate with the Kremlin from a position of strength.
Michael Carpenter, executive director of the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, said this at an online discussion during the Kyiv Security Forum, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“Over the past few years, we have observed that the pro-Russian network of politicians and businessmen in Ukraine is becoming wider and more influential - both in the media and economic sphere, and in terms of general political influence. And this significantly complicates diplomatic efforts regarding Donbass.
The growing influence of pro-Russian forces on Ukrainian politics makes it difficult to negotiate with the Kremlin from a position of strength. I can’t say what exactly the Biden administration will do, but I think America needs to be more actively involved in this process,” said Michael Carpenter.
Note that Carpenter was previously Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia and Foreign Policy Advisor to Vice President Joe Biden.
The Penn Biden Center was established in 2017 in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. The center's work focuses on national security and international relations.