I was shocked: one of the episodes of how the war started/Channel 24 website collage
How the war started. Another episode. 2013, Kyiv, summer. One of the events where the prospects for relations between Ukraine and Russia were discussed in the context of preparations for the signing of an Association Agreement with the European Union and an FTA.
Then the Azarov government offered Russia, which already exerted tangible economic pressure on Ukraine , the “3+1” format of Ukraine's participation in the so-called Customs Union. The Kremlin did not accept this option.
But why did I remember this?
Because at this meeting there was a representative from the Russian Embassy, who, in response to a question those present: “And how do you see the further development of relations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation?” answered literally and verbatim the following: “Watch the programs of Dmitry Kiselev.” I was shocked.
Russia has never wanted (or simply is not capable of) any constructive and, moreover, compromise. Until 2014, the Kremlin had every opportunity to build a strategic partnership in the Russia-Ukraine-Europe triangle, where Russia has resources, Ukraine has transit, and Europe has technology.
A step back
Two Free Trade Zones would be a step forward, not backward. But Russia chose war and blackmail. As always. Because any step forward involves reforms, modernization and competition (without which this is impossible). and mutual benefit, but under the costs of war and the risks of war on their own territory.
