Forget hopes of normalising relations with Vladimir Putin, says Georgia’s ex-president
debates diplomatic and military means to end the war in Ukraine, it cannot ignore the lessons of its own past mistakes. Some of the most serious date back to Russia’s war on Georgia in 2008, when, as the invaded country’s head of state, I was in a situation similar to that of Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president.
Putin also won a personal victory over me. Once my presidential term ended, the new government launched criminal cases against me, forcing me to leave the country. When it became clear to me that I could no longer watch from afar as Georgia’s reforms were rolled back by a government that had become openly allied with Russia, I returned, was arrested, thrown in prison and poisoned, with Russian state media rejoicing.
The American administration that took office at the start of 2009, led by Barack Obama, seemed to view the Russian-Georgian war as being its predecessor’s problem. It adopted a policy of “reset” with Russia, assuming that if America toned down the rhetoric and was “reasonable” with Putin, relations could be normalised. Russia’s annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea in 2014 was a direct consequence of that policy.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også læse nyheder, der ligner denne, som vi har indsamlet fra andre nyhedskilder.
EU Council President Rekindles Georgia's Hopes For MembershipEuropean Council President Charles Michel's recent speech outlining an ambitious enlargement plan for the EU has reignited hope for Georgia's potential membership.
Læs mere »
From Cartier to Casio, these are the best watches for women that money can buyForget arm candy, it's all about the wrist now.
Læs mere »
Hurricane Idalia unleashes fury on Florida and GeorgiaAs the eye moved inland, high winds shredded signs, sent sheet metal flying and snapped tall trees.
Læs mere »
Hurricane Idalia unleashes fury on Florida and GeorgiaAs the eye moved inland, high winds shredded signs, sent sheet metal flying and snapped tall trees.
Læs mere »
Tropical Storm Idalia: Two dead in Florida as storm slams into GeorgiaEmergency crews are rescuing residents along Florida's 'nature coast' from knee-deep floodwaters.
Læs mere »
One dead as Idalia blows through Georgia as tropical storm“Unprecedented” storm hit remote part of Florida as hurricane with winds nearing 125mph.
Læs mere »