Unity of the West against Russia*

Yesterday, while Vladimir Putin oversaw nuclear missile drills, the Munich Security Conference was taking place, as it does every year at this time. This conference brings together heads of state, ministers and politicians to analyze world security problems, and this year, the Ukraine crisis was getting all the attention.

In the meantime, there has been increased tension in Donbass and the separatist leaders of this Ukrainian region have ordered a general mobilization. All the leaders from the Western countries present in Munich have taken this opportunity to insist on a diplomatic solution in Ukraine, while they have sharpened their warnings to Russia about the harsh consequences of an invasion.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke of “significant and unprecedented economic costs” from a package of financial sanctions and export controls that would have a “swift, severe” effect, while announcing that Washington will reinforce the eastern flank of NATO if there is a Russian attack.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also spoke of forceful economic sanctions that would affect energy imports, referring to Russian gas. And NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said later that “we have seen no sign of withdrawal or de-escalation so far” and threatened Moscow with “more NATO,” accusing them of wanting to turn back history.

Russia’s voice and its position were not heard in Munich, since Moscow refused to attend the conference for the first time in 20 years. To some observers, this means that the Kremlin has given up trying to reach a diplomatic solution, although there is another meeting scheduled for next Thursday between the American and Russian foreign ministers.**

Another thing that became clear in the Bavarian forum is the growing Western concern about the strategic alliance between Russia and China. Europeans and Americans fear that Moscow and Beijing are trying to change the existing international rules by demanding that NATO refuse to admit any new members, accusing NATO of preferring force to cooperation, and the rule of the strongest to the rule of law.

And, while the tension grows, Biden says he is convinced that Putin has already decided to attack and that he will do so next week, although the Kremlin denies it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is proposing to meet with Putin to find out what he wants, and the escalation of provocations, threats and disinformation continues.

*Editor’s note: The original language content of this article is accessible with a paid subscription.

**Editor’s note: Russia invaded Ukraine in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 24. There was no meeting.