Dmitri Trenin
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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.
Source: Newsweek

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.
About the Author
Former Director, Carnegie Moscow Center
Trenin was director of the Carnegie Moscow Center from 2008 to early 2022.
- Mapping Russia’s New Approach to the Post-Soviet SpaceCommentary
- What a Week of Talks Between Russia and the West RevealedCommentary
Dmitri Trenin
Recent Work
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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