NEW YORK, September 18 (RIA Novosti) – The conflict in Ukraine showcases how Europe needs a security architecture that includes – rather than excludes – Russia, University of Rhode Island scholar Nicolai Petro told RIA Novosti.
"Europe does include Russia culturally, and yet excludes it politically. Nothing has changed from the end of the Cold War. It's high time to move on to a new security arrangement that encompasses all of Europe, culturally and politically," Petro said.
"But we don't have that right now. We are deeply wedded to the concept of NATO, and NATO sees itself as bulwark against Russia. So, our collective security framework does not exist. We need a broader arrangement in which Russia can sit at the same table as an equal," the analyst added.
The relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated over the Ukrainian crisis that escalated to a military operation in mid-April, once Kiev sent troops to eastern Ukraine to suppress independence supporters.
The European Union and the United States urged their allies in NATO, including Canada and Norway, to follow their lead in implementing economic sanctions against Russia.
As for NATO, it has completely suspended cooperation with Russia in April, refusing to invite it to participate in the alliance's latest summit in Wales on September 4 and 5. The organization has also been increasing its presence near Russia's borders, citing the need to better defend its allies.
