The rise in tensions around Ukraine and in relations between Moscow and the West has resulted from a misunderstanding of Russia’s interests and a disregard for the signals it has sent. This opinion was expressed by the former head of the CIA’s Russia Analytics Department, George Beebe, in an interview with the Figaro newspaper.
According to him, many analysts believe that the actions of the Russian leadership “are dictated by the desire for confrontation with democratic countries.” However, Beebe believes that Russia is obsessed with its security and seeks to push potential adversaries away from the borders, as it has repeatedly been attacked and foreign incursions.
“Russia continued to send signals that we did not understand. Negative signals, such as the deployment of troops on the border and a demonstration that the rapprochement of Ukraine with NATO or strategic partnership with the United States are unacceptable red lines, ”the expert noted.
Earlier in November, Russia tested the anti-missile and anti-satellite system, which has been developed for a decade, known by the name of the development work (ROC) “Nudol”.
George Beebe emphasizes that this signal was also ignored in the West. In his opinion, Russia did not accidentally choose this particular time for testing.
“Moscow has shown us its determination,” the analyst summed up.
However, he called a positive signal the proposal of Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold talks on strategic stability and security guarantees. Beebe hopes that Russia’s willingness to resolve issues diplomatically will lead to de-escalation.
On January 9, a Russian delegation arrived in Geneva to participate in talks with the United States on security guarantees. The interdepartmental delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. On the part of the Russian diplomatic service, it is headed by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergei Ryabkov. American diplomacy will be represented by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation indicated that the West must unilaterally abandon NATO expansion, as well as liquidate the formed military infrastructure.
As Ryabkov noted, Moscow is going to the meeting “not with outstretched hand”, the Russian side has a “clearly formulated task” that it will solve on its own terms.
Negotiations between Russia and the United States began in Geneva. According to Ryabkov, the first conversation with the American representatives was amazing, but at the same time difficult and businesslike.
On January 10, negotiations will continue in an expanded format. The Russian delegation included representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
