The conflict in Ukraine shows signs of escalation. While the foreign ministers of Russia, France and Ukraine were meeting in Germany to seek a solution to the problem, namely the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops, deadly clashes broke out in Donetsk. This is not a positive advertisement for a lasting solution.
The casualty toll in Ukraine is creeping towards the 5,000-mark and Russia shows no sign of slowing down its supply of soldiers and weapons in a bid to show its solidarity with the insurgents.
Russian diplomats, in the meanwhile, are networking at the World Economic Forum in Davos in a bid to shore up their country’s diplomatic status and flagging economic fortunes, following the economic sanctions imposed on Moscow.
It is clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin is sending out a two-toned message of defiance.
The ceasefire agreed upon in Minsk has disintegrated. With winter on its way out, there is a possibility that the fighting in Ukraine could escalate into an all out war. The truth here is that only Putin can end this problem. He is a signatory to the ceasefire agreement, with his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko, and is globally perceived as the aggressor.
The solution is simple: Ukraine must regain control of its international borders. Poroshenko must not get drawn into further skirmishes. Europe needs to be aligned with this solution and Moscow must facilitate it. The rollback of crippling sanctions is a tremendous incentive for Kremlin. It could alter the stifling political and economic climate of Europe as well.
