Ukraine should prepare to offer territory to Russia for peace: Kissinger

Davos: Senior US statesman Henry Kissinger advised, ‘Hope that Ukraine also shows some smartness to go with the courage demonstrated so far. If efforts are to be made for a peace agreement in the current war, Ukraine should consider offering Russia a certain territory.’ Kissinger also delivered a slap across the face of the western countries, saying that they should not get emotional and forget about the strong Russian position in Europe, as this could be dangerous.

While speaking at the meeting of the World Economic Forum, Kissinger blamed that Ukraine and western countries have forgotten the Russian might and are prolonging the war. Kissinger suggested, ‘The westerners should drop their intentions to hand out a humiliating defeat to Russia. The westerners seem to be currently lost in emotions. They have forgotten the Russian position in the balance of power in Europe. The war should not be prolonged further. Ukraine should start negotiations in the next two months. The talks should start before any major upheavals and fresh tensions.’

The insistence on continuing the war beyond a specific limit should not be maintained. If it does, it would be a new war against Russia, US statesman warned. Kissinger also made Western nations aware of the Russian position in Europe. Henry Kissinger, a senior US statesman, pointed out, ‘Russia has been an integral part of Europe for more than four centuries. European leaders should not make the mistake of ignoring long-term relations with Russia. Doing so risks creating a permanent Russia-China alliance.’

Since the Russia-Ukraine war, most Western leaders and diplomats have been sharply critical of the Ukraine war waged by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The West has said that Putin should learn a lesson from the invasion of Ukraine and that the international community should provide all possible assistance to Ukraine. At the meeting in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also appealed that Putin should not be allowed to win. Against this backdrop, the blunt advice given by an experienced and senior diplomat like Kissinger to Western countries, including Ukraine, is noteworthy.