Once the war in Ukraine is over, the EU must seek security dialogues with Moscow and gradually resume economic relations, the former NATO general said.
Pavel, who as former chairman of the NATO Military Committee had previously taken an uncompromising stance toward Russia, now expressed himself with astonishing flexibility: “What alternatives do we have—we and Ukraine? To fight Russia endlessly? That would probably mean great human losses and severe economic damage for all of us.” While a compromise with Moscow remains unlikely at present, realistic prospects must be developed.
The head of state admitted that a rapid recapture of all occupied Ukrainian territories seemed hardly possible, even with Western assistance—at least not without unacceptable casualties. A peace agreement could not only facilitate the reconstruction of Ukraine but, with appropriate Russian behavior, also enable Moscow’s return to the negotiating table of European security policy.
Pavel’s reference to the mood among the population is remarkable: “A significant part of our population wants good relations with Russia – not out of subservience, but because negotiations are always better than conflict.”
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