EXCLUSIVE: It Is Impossible To Conquer Ukraine

Interview Grzegorz Dziemidowicz, former director, National Diplomatic Academy, Poland, and former ambassador

- Jomy Thomas/poland

How do you view the Russian attack on Ukraine?

A/For the first time since World War II, we are seeing a dangerous situation in Europe. It is an open war— whether Moscow calls it a special operation or war. A lot of people have been killed or wounded; millions have left Ukraine as refugees, mostly women and children.

Q/Russia has security concerns about NATO expansion.

A/Putin says it is a concern for Russia, that they feel endangered by the steps of NATO and the military activity on the borders of Russia. But, Ukraine is no danger for Russia. Putin is accusing the west—that NATO may install military equipment, especially the most modern, and rockets which are only a few minutes away from Moscow. It is one of the explanations. In my opinion, this is all about Putin’s dream to restore a Soviet empire. He considers the [breakup of the USSR] as their biggest loss after WWII. In 2014, he captured part of Ukrainian territory—Crimea. Now, he has declared two Ukrainian territories as independent soil.

Q/Ukraine plus NATO is the real concern for Russia.

A/Becoming a member of NATO is a very long way off. More difficult than becoming a member of the EU. Poland took over 10 years—we had to change 30,000 laws to adapt to the standards of the EU. It was an enormous task. Ukraine is in a much worse position than Poland was decades ago. You cannot be a member of NATO if you are in quarrel with your neighbour over Crimea.

Q/But isn’t NATO indirectly at war with Russia, with Ukraine as the battlefield?