Playing Russian Roulette in Kiev

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In The Media

Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Playing Russian Roulette in Kiev

The recent collapse of the ruling coalition in Ukraine reveals a vast schism in the country’s views towards Russia. However, leaders in America, Europe, Russia, and Ukraine need to agree on ways of keeping Ukraine united and at peace because should a clash between Russia and Ukraine occur , it could prove to be more disastrous than the current conflict in Georgia.

By Dmitri Trenin

Published on Sep 8, 2008

Source: Newsweek

The recent collapse of the ruling coalition in Ukraine reveals a vast schism in the country’s views towards Russia. While this difference has long existed, Dmitri Trenin writes in Newsweek that the trouble in the Caucasus may this time create a political earthquake with enormous consequences.

At the time of the Georgian crisis, a poll showed that 51 percent of the population of Ukraine's western regions sided with Tbilisi, while 56 percent in the east backed Moscow. In the governing bodies, this split has been echoed by President Yushchenko who strongly reproved Russia for its hostilities in Georgia, and Prime Minister Tymoshenko who failed to condemn Russia’s actions in the current conflict.

Should Ukraine act against Russia, a clash between the two nations might very well occur. This would be disastrous. Thus, leaders in America, Europe, Russia, and Ukraine need to agree on ways of keeping Ukraine united and at peace.

Click here to read the article.

About the Author

Dmitri Trenin

Former Director, Carnegie Moscow Center

Trenin was director of the Carnegie Moscow Center from 2008 to early 2022.

Recent Work

Commentary
Mapping Russia’s New Approach to the Post-Soviet Space
- Dmitri Trenin
Commentary
What a Week of Talks Between Russia and the West Revealed
- Dmitri Trenin

Foreign Policy North America United States Caucasus Russia Georgia Ukraine

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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Playing Russian Roulette in Kiev