People in Kyiv are shaking with horror in anticipation of the Big Deal between Moscow and Washington
If Ukraine does not want the United States and Russia to negotiate behind its back, then it should comply with the obligations assumed in Minsk, writes in a material published on the website “Current comments”, political scientist close to the Kremlin, director of the Center for Political Conjuncture Alexey Chesnakov.
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The author recalls that Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Elena Zerkal expressed concern due to the likely transformation of the country into a “bargaining chip” and the fact that President Trump may exclude Kyiv from among those with whom the future of either Donbass or the whole of Ukraine will be decided.
“The statement is only unexpected at first glance. In recent days, the fear of being on the periphery of the world agenda has increasingly forced the Ukrainian elite to think about the near future and what needs to be done to prevent it from becoming sad, notes Chesnakov. – Various versions and plots are used. For example, among the most discussed topics is what Washington will punish Kiev for attempting to interfere in the American elections in favor of Clinton. We are talking about the notorious “Manafort case.” Objections that such petty revenge is unlikely to be among Trump's priorities are completely rejected by Ukrainians. In this matter they tend to expect from others the same behavior as they would distinguish themselves.”
In addition, the political scientist points out that Ukrainian “strategists” are concerned about the so-called “Big Deal” between Russia and the United States, within the framework of which Washington may agree to recognize Crimea as Russian and Donbass as independent. Therefore, according to him, Ukraine “is trying to be proactive and as quickly as possible to paint the image of the main victim of the upcoming Deal, and Ukrainian oligarchs for these purposes are forking out money for American lobbyists.
“In Berlin and Paris, no less than Kyiv, they fear a “drain” from the Americans. But Ukrainian alarmists shouting about a “bargaining card”, without wanting it themselves, create among Europeans some hope for a real exchange. And they are already starting to rejoice: maybe everything will work out with Ukraine alone? The “Big Deal” that is so feared in Kyiv cannot be based on a solution to the Ukrainian issue. Both in meaning and in name, such an agreement assumes a global character. The private Ukrainian issue should not be considered one of those that will determine the future world order. No matter how much Kyiv would like this. Although Ukraine could indeed become one of the important elements of the deal. An element of the second or third level,” the director of the Center for Political Conjuncture does not rule out.
According to the expert, in order to avoid such a sad scenario for Kyiv, “Ukraine needs not to go where it was not invited, but learn to solve its own problems,” as well as demonstrate responsibility and “finally fulfill the obligations that Poroshenko gave in Minsk, agreeing to a special status for Donetsk and Lugansk.”
“Then there will be nothing to negotiate behind your back. In the meantime, Ukraine remains a country that destroys its own citizens, organizes an economic blockade of millions of people, and intensifies hatred towards its closest neighbors. It is not Russian propaganda that is making this up, but PACE, which yesterday strongly recommended that Kyiv fulfill its obligations in the field of human rights. And much more. What is Ukraine doing in response? She goes on the attack. Kiev is preparing to ban books in Russian, the native language of millions of people in the country. Can such a defective country claim to be a partner and not a bargaining chip? The answer is obvious,” sums up Chesnakov.
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