Results of the second day of the Forum: The West should consider Russia as a threat, not a strategic partner

The US and EU should consider Russia as a threat to global security, and not as a potential strategic partner, said David Kramer,  the Managing Director of human rights and human freedoms of the McCain Institute (USA),  delivering the final speech during the 8th Kyiv Security Forum organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

In the fighting against the aggressor, in his opinion, the US and the EU should enhance, not only maintain existing sanctions against Russia. “We should consider Russia as a threat, not as a potential strategic partner,” - says J. Kramer. Moreover, unity within the EU and the US is necessary and the determination to provide Ukraine with not only economic, but with military assistance as well. "Obama's decision not to provide Ukraine with weapons was a mistake,” - said the expert.

He also expressed his vision of the real reasons of the current crisis in Ukraine. “Ukraine is seeking Euro-Atlantic integration, which is perceived as a threat to the very existence of modern Russia. Putin is trying to do everything to prevent this. Maidan scared Putin very much. That's why he invaded the Crimea, then Eastern Ukraine”. According to expert, it is the war of the Kremlin against Western values. “Putin's regime is a threat, a threat to its own Russian people. The murder of Boris Nemtsov and poisoning of Vladimir Karamurzov are quite sad examples,” - said D. Kramer. In his view, the only goal of the President of Russia is to stay in power.

"Putin has done more than any other to unite Ukraine, though it may sound paradoxical. It would be a mistake and even crime if the unity, which appeared again, disintegrated as it was 10 years ago, affecting the country as a result. The government, the parliament, the president - all have to work as one”.  According to the representative of the McCain Institute, if Ukrainian politicians are unable to keep unity, the West will get disappointed in Ukraine, and we can’t be having this.

For your information:

The annual international event ‘Kyiv Security Forum’, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in 2007 is a platform for discussion of the most pressing issues concerning the security in Europe and the Black Sea region. The Forum is aimed at promoting security cooperation between the European Union and the Black Sea Region, raising awareness of the development of security among key players and strengthening the role of independent and non-governmental actors in solving security problems in Europe.