Quote:
Originally Posted by Damien
What is there to learn? Ukraine was caught between two nations and many inside in Ukraine did not want closer ties with Russia, maybe remembering the last time, and closer ties with Europe. Now that's not a great divide to have in a country but it's not the EU's fault that people desired to be closer to Europe politically than Russia. The deal from the EU was not accession but a association agreement although even if it was to begin accession talks it would still be the decision of the Ukrainian people.
It was Russia who attempted to subvert that and it was eventually Russia again who invaded Ukraine and took over the Crimean Peninsula.
As far as I can see the only fault of the EU is entering talks with Ukraine against the will of Russia.
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Well that was the lesson I was referring to. What the EU needs to learn is that it can't expect to expand (or be seen to be making overtures) into former Soviet territories without Russia reacting aggressively using any pretext to do so. Whilst the likes of Putin are in power, right or wrong has nothing to do with it, sadly, Russia can and will manipulate the situation to suit itself and, as we've seen, the ramifications aren't pleasant with tensions still simmering away and unresolved in Ukraine. If the EU is intent on doing what the populations of other nations may want then it's going to have to be prepared to deal with the military reaction that will likely invoke from Russia. That's the real world I'm afraid and I'd have thought the EU's concerns right now ought to rest with better serving the peoples of the nations in what's a pretty dysfunctional club and worry a bit less about expanding and rattling Russia's cage.