Western countries should consider Russian interests

London: Senior US Statesman Henry Kissinger advised that if Russia is not to be made the centre of Chinese influence in Europe, western countries have to consider Russian interests. He also praised the assistance provided by NATO to Ukraine in the conflict against Russia during an interview with ‘Times’ the British daily. But he warned at the same time that whether to finish Ukraine was a huge question. Earlier, Kissinger had created a sensation with his statement that Ukraine should part with certain territory to make efforts to establish peace with Russia during the meeting of the World Economic Forum.

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, most western leaders and statesmen have been showering vitriolic criticism on Russian President Vladimir Putin over the conflict that started with Ukraine. The western countries insist that Putin, the attacker of Ukraine, should be taught a proper lesson and that the entire international community should assist Ukraine in the conflict. Against this background, the soft stand adopted by a senior statesman like Kissinger against Russia becomes noteworthy.

During the interview with ‘Times’, Kissinger also criticised Russian President Putin had committed a mistake. The US statesman claimed that the Russian President lost his balance on the Ukraine issue. But despite that, the western countries should not ignore Russia, advised Kissinger.

He pointed out that the relations of the United States and European countries with the Asian and Gulf countries are currently strained. In this scenario, it will not be in the interest of the United States to allow China to increase its influence. Global domination is not a Chinese concept but if they become that mighty, Kissinger warned that it would not be in the interest of the westerners.