It Could Have Been Worse

If we were to judge the EU’s response to the Kremlin’s actions by the blacklist it compiled, then we would most probably say it was too lenient and based upon fears of weakening economic ties. Nevertheless, it could have been worse.

Heads of democracies from 28 countries belonging to the EU managed to remain unanimous, and despite recent forecasts, dared to impose sanctions on Moscow dignitaries. However, there is no certainty as to how long this unity throughout the EU will last, and whether the EU will have enough strength to play a prolonged rough game with Vladimir Putin. It seems that the Kremlin host is eager for it.

The EU is going to sign the political part of the EU-Ukraine association agreement on Friday, March 21. However, there is still no agreement promising Kiev that it will be able to knock on the EU’s door in the future. A prospect of membership would serve as a political guarantee that Ukraine, if it clearly does not want it, will not end up as a “no man’s land” between the East and the West. This important guarantee has already become all the more important, because Moscow offered Ukraine such a status yesterday. Putin would like to weaken Kiev by pushing federalization to such an extent that it would be easier for him to subjugate the entire country.

The EU turned the Russian offer down. However, the unspoken but obviously intended promise, “If you agree to our conditions, we will stop destabilizing Ukraine, we will not invade Donetsk, and peace will be restored once again,” will continue to tempt some of those ruling in the West.