Is Ukraine Next?
With 8.3 million ethnic Russians and a potentially separatist region in Crimea, many Ukrainians now hear domestic echoes of the lead-up to Russia's invasion of Georgia. It is time for the EU to develop a multi-dimensional solidarity strategy aimed at sending a strong signal of support for Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.
LONDON – The war in Georgia has clearly exposed the security vacuum in the surrounding region, as well as a lot of raw nerves. Russia’s hasty decision to recognize the “independence” of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was a shot across the bow for every former Soviet country, and has intensified speculation about who might be “next” – and how to prevent Russia from multiplying the supposed Kosovo “precedent” in other ex-Soviet countries.
LONDON – The war in Georgia has clearly exposed the security vacuum in the surrounding region, as well as a lot of raw nerves. Russia’s hasty decision to recognize the “independence” of South Ossetia and Abkhazia was a shot across the bow for every former Soviet country, and has intensified speculation about who might be “next” – and how to prevent Russia from multiplying the supposed Kosovo “precedent” in other ex-Soviet countries.