Expert: a new 'cold war' - the best scenario
Director of the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies Fredrik Leidqvist believes that a situation similar to a new cold war is the best scenario in the near future if there is no normalization of relations with Russia. He thinks that without a strategic outlook and active resistance from Europe, relations with Russia will not improve for a long time.
'The problem of Russia that we are dealing with cannot be solved until it sheds its colonial and imperial mindset, this war for the revival of the empire, and until the regime and political system in Russia changes,' Leidqvist noted.
The expert called for strengthening defense and deterrence in Europe, changing the approach to Ukraine, and increasing pressure on Russia. He believes it is important to change the mindset, act proactively, and make Russia pay for every aggressive action.
Leidqvist considers Ukraine a key partner for Europe in ensuring security. Letting its loss benefit Russia is unacceptable, so it is important to support Ukraine as a security provider, the expert noted.
Summary:
The expert believes that a situation similar to a new cold war is the best scenario if normalization of relations with Russia does not occur. It is important to support Ukraine as a key partner for Europe in ensuring security.