Talking about a reset in US-Russian relations is a dangerous illusion that works in the interests of aggressive Russia, says Kurt Valker, a former U.S. State Department special envoy to Ukraine in the article published by Foreign Policy.
The diplomat responded to an open letter published last week in Politico, where 100 American diplomats and foreign policy experts came up with an initiative to review the U.S. strategy concerning Russia.
"No more resets with Russia," Volker wrote.
The diplomat believes that the arguments of the initiators of the new reset with Russia are wrong. The former U.S. ambassador to NATO cites the events of the last two decades and numerous examples of Russian aggression to prove his point.
Volker believes that Moscow has taken a number of aggressive moves in the world because of Russia's misguided views and soft policies toward it. Including intervention in Georgia and Ukraine and the occupation of their territories.
Volker says President Donald Trump has been widely criticized for his overly mild policies toward Russia and for avoiding criticism of Moscow and Vladimir Putin. That is why he does not understand the initiative of diplomats and experts to "reset" with Russia.
U.S. President George W. Bush took office in 2001, seeking to build a new relationship with Russia. By the end of Bush's tenure in January 2009, his views changed.
"In August 2008, Russia invaded neighboring Georgia. In response, NATO suspended the NATO-Russia Council, which Russia had long stopped taking seriously anyway."
President Barack Obama came into office hoping for a reset with Russia as well, which led to the occupation of Ukraine.
"Despite that record, President Barack Obama came into office hoping for a "reset" with Russia, to the dismay of Georgia, whose territory remained occupied."
"But Russian behavior has still not changed. In 2020, Russia's war in Ukraine continues. The country still occupies part of Georgia," Volker writes.
According to the diplomat, Russia "as it is" is an increasingly authoritarian state determined to act aggressively against its neighbors, extend its disruptive influence in the Middle East and Asia, and strategically weaken and divide Europe and NATO.
"Instead of a reset, the West needs the patience to apply consistent and steady pressure against Russian aggression, and to support those in Russia and in neighboring states who seek freedom, democracy, and security. For once, it is time for Russia, not the West, to rethink its policy," Volker says.
