Stephen Bell presents his perspective on the confrontation on Ukraine.
"Shortly before the new year, there were many media reports concerning the possibility of a war between Russia and NATO over the Ukraine. Behind this tension lay the breach of the promise NATO made to the Soviet government not to expand eastwards upon Soviet withdrawal after 1989. Since that time NATO has steadily advanced its presence through most of the Eastern European states. Inevitably, this has been interpreted as a threat to the Russian people and state. The presence of British troops as part of this increased pressure is a major concern. It is increasing rather than reducing the tension in the region. It is vital that the peace movement in Britain discuss the issues, and acts in support of reducing the chances of war over Ukraine."
I think I should add that the endless talk about defending a “FREE” Ukraine is complete nonsense. In the 1990s after the independence in Ukraine there was a large Communist Party with significant parliamentary representation and in the 2000s there was a separatist party in Eastern Ukraine (similar to the Scottish National Party). Both organisations have been banned, how can you have a “FREE” Ukraine if major popular political organisations are banned? One does not have to support the politics of these two political organisations to understand Ukraine is an authoritarian state. Equally the Putin regime has a long record of suppressing internal opposition including recently Memorial which have since the 1980s exposed the crimes of the Stalin era.
Stuart Richardson
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