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Source: Getty

In The Media
Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Ukraine Caught in a “Zero-Sum” Game

Russia and the EU are trying to pull Ukraine into their orbit rather than cooperating on what would be best for the country.

Link Copied
By Maria Lipman
Published on Feb 25, 2014

Source: Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera talked to Carnegie Moscow Center’s Maria Lipman about the future of diplomatic relations between the EU, Russia, and Ukraine.

Ukraine cannot be either pro-Russian or pro-European, Lipman said. It has to adjust according to the situation, and nations outside Ukraine should also adjust to the fact that there mustbe cooperation around this country. However, this does not seem to be happening, she added.

The situation around Ukraine looked more and more like a zero-sum game, she concluded, with Russia and the EU pulling Ukraine toward their own orbits rather than cooperating. Ukraine cannot afford to let itself be caught up in this game.

This interview was originally broadcast on Al Jazeera.

About the Author

Maria Lipman

Former Scholar in Residence, Society and Regions Program, Editor in Chief, Pro et Contra, Moscow Center

Lipman was the editor in chief of the Pro et Contra journal, published by the Carnegie Moscow Center. She was also the expert of the Carnegie Moscow Center’s Society and Regions Program.

    Recent Work

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Maria Lipman
Former Scholar in Residence, Society and Regions Program, Editor in Chief, Pro et Contra, Moscow Center
Maria Lipman
Foreign PolicyRussiaEastern EuropeUkraineWestern Europe

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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