Ukraine Conflict
What is needed to ensure long-term peace in Ukraine and Europe against Russian aggression?
According to General Sir Richard Shirreff, long-term peace requires a strong NATO deterrent presence from the Baltic to the Black Sea, including Ukraine as a NATO member. This strategy demands that every NATO nation, America included, commit to supporting Ukrainians in defeating Russia. Shirreff emphasizes that only through unified deterrence can Europe counter Russia's imperial ambitions, as diplomacy alone won't work with a 'revanchist Russia determined to rebuild another Russian empire.' He dismisses the notion that deal-making alone, as suggested by former President Trump, would be effective against Russian aggression.
Watch clip answer (01:06m)
BBC News
04:51 - 05:57
Why would President Trump want to allow Russia to continue its campaign against Ukraine?
According to General Sir Richard Shirreff, Trump's approach stems from a fundamental lack of understanding of Russia's imperial ambitions. The former NATO Commander suggests Trump fails to recognize the threat Russia poses not only to Ukraine but potentially to NATO members like the Baltic states. This misunderstanding could lead to dangerous outcomes where Russia brings NATO into direct confrontation by expanding its aggression beyond Ukraine. Shirreff implies that Trump's permissive stance toward Putin might inadvertently encourage Russian expansionism, threatening European security architecture and NATO's collective defense principle.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)BBC News
04:15 - 04:41
What are Russia's strategic intentions regarding Ukraine according to General Sir Richard Shirreff?
According to General Sir Richard Shirreff, Russia aims to remove Ukraine from the map as a sovereign state. This would involve either physically annexing eastern and southern regions of Ukraine or installing a puppet government in Kiev, transforming Ukraine into a client state similar to Belarus. Shirreff emphasizes that this objective is deeply embedded in 'Russian DNA' and warns that any American negotiators who believe Russia would accept a lasting solution with a sovereign Ukraine are deluding themselves. He suggests that Russia will not be satisfied until Ukraine loses its independent status and falls under Russian control.
Watch clip answer (00:42m)
BBC News
00:47 - 01:30
What is the current state of Ukraine and the potential shift in U.S. policy under Trump?
According to Joachim Bitterlisch, Kiev is in 'bad shape' with the balance of power shifting as Russia regains strength. While he hopes Trump might work toward restoring Ukraine's integral territory, he expresses doubts about this outcome. Bitterlisch observes that Americans seem to have accepted Russia's resurgence, and he doesn't see a clear U.S. strategy. This uncertainty is reflected in statements about seeking a 'fair, enduring, sustainable and acceptable' deal for all parties, suggesting a potential compromise rather than full territorial restoration.
Watch clip answer (00:52m)
WION
02:55 - 03:47
What impact might the US policy shift have on America's European allies moving forward?
The US policy shift represents a traumatic change for European allies, particularly regarding Ukraine. Former German Ambassador Joachim Bitterlisch notes that Trump's approach may accept Russia's current territorial gains rather than pursuing the previously possible solution that would have maintained Ukraine's territorial integrity while establishing neutrality. This shift has emboldened Moscow, with Russian officials now feeling they're on equal footing with Washington again. European allies must now determine how to respond strategically, as the equilibrium between Russia and the US changes dramatically, potentially leaving Europe without American security guarantees for Ukraine.
Watch clip answer (01:26m)WION
00:08 - 01:34
Will Europe be able to provide security guarantees for Ukraine should the United States stop providing aid?
According to Joachim Bitterlisch, European security guarantees for Ukraine are not possible without American security guarantees. He emphasizes that he does not see a scenario where Europeans alone could provide effective security assurances, stating that Europeans are currently unprepared for such a solution. Bitterlisch explains that without the US, Europe would be in a weaker position against Russia. To establish a credible counterforce to Moscow, European nations fundamentally need the United States' involvement and support.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)WION
02:11 - 02:52