A Comprehensive Security Strategy for Europe

The time for negotiations has come, and Ukraine has expressed its desire for the involvement of the United Nations Secretary-General in these negotiations, Mr. António Guterres. In this article, I will focus on Russia and the Russian people, as well as touch on general defense options in Europe.

_{O.M. Lassen, Bsc.Econ., Founder of EURUO, Managing Director}

Let it be said right away that I never understood why Western nations downgraded their defense efforts so much after 1991. Certainly, defense needs to be rebuilt with defense systems capable of protecting the population. Significant resources must also be allocated to protect critical infrastructure, telecommunications, and the energy sector. Alternative energy supply lines are a necessity, just as a company has financial preparedness; countries must have alternative supply security preparedness. When I speak of defensive defense systems, Ukraine has clearly demonstrated their effectiveness, but the country must also have the ability to defend itself using fighter jets.

Can We Achieve Peace in Ukraine with a Comprehensive Security Guarantee?

My initial question in this article was, “a comprehensive security strategy for Europe.” I am convinced that the people of Europe (on the mainland) can develop a security and defense strategy without the interference of the USA and the UK, which could help resolve the conflict or war between Russia and Ukraine. The question is whether we are willing to consider Russia’s security desires from a comprehensive standpoint. Can we ask ourselves what Russia wants and whether we can meet some of their wishes without compromising the security of Ukraine and NATO countries?

Could it be possible for the countries bordering Russia to make some concessions, such as not stationing NATO troops in their countries? Could countries like Estonia, Latvia, Finland, and Norway negotiate agreements with Russia regarding flight activities with their fighter jets and bombers close to Russia’s borders, among other things? We know that Russia is concerned about the short reaction time from military aircraft taking off from Estonia to reach St. Petersburg. Could it also be possible for Ukraine to begin negotiations on leasing a military base and an airbase on the Crimean Peninsula when hostilities cease, all in the context of an overarching European defense and security strategy?

Most are aware that after World War I, efforts were made to weaken Germany. We know the result of that strategy. There is no need to delve further into this in this article. Therefore, attempting to weaken Russia economically and militarily is the most foolish strategy if we desire peace, stability, and growth in Europe.

Ukraine Needs Security Guarantees Here and Now

It is unfathomable that Ukraine’s allies have not taken the initiative to develop a security guarantee for Ukraine, which they will implement once peace is restored in the country. I believe countries like the UK, Germany, France, and Poland are well-suited to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. Naturally, Ukraine has the right to seek NATO membership, but it may take some years before the country can join the NATO alliance.

Trade and an overarching security strategy are interconnected with the reconstruction of Ukraine. It is imperative for diplomacy and the international community to start working on a plan for peace and cooperation in Europe. Throughout history, the Ukrainian and Russian people have suffered so much, both under communism and Nazism, that it is truly horrifying.

Today, it is utterly incomprehensible that international diplomacy seems so helpless. At times, I wonder if we have all become complacent, or if there is a total paralysis of action in diplomacy when several countries cannot sit down and discuss the future of Europe. I am referring to Germany, France, and the UK as some of the leading countries in this process.

Achieving peace requires cooperation and months of effort from several countries and their foreign services.

The Future of the Russian People

We know that when there is peace or a ceasefire in Ukraine, the country will be rebuilt with extensive international assistance, and the effort the Ukrainian people have put forth is remarkable. On the other hand, many government leaders and populations in some countries believe that Russian society needs to be “crushed.” Where is the humanity and humanism in these people and these countries? These are countries and people who are farthest from the Russian border and the Russian people and have the least knowledge of the country.

The over 140 million people living in Russia should have the same shopping and travel opportunities as the rest of Europe. Russian businessmen should have their frozen assets returned. We should also resume energy cooperation with Russia. If Russia is to enter into a leasing agreement with Ukraine, it must also be financed, and Russia must also contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine. This cannot be achieved unless the country experiences economic growth and is integrated into European and international trade, as it is today.

Companies that have left Russia should, as far as possible, resume their activities in the country for the benefit of the Russian people and the growth and prosperity of Europe. If we do not do this, the Russian people and the country have ample opportunities within the BRICS cooperation, while we miss out on a market of over 140 million people who also desire trade, cooperation, and unity with the rest of Europe. Therefore, politicians and foreign ministers who can bridge the gap between different perspectives and have a comprehensive approach to peace, geopolitics, and defense must come forward, for example, Denmark and Hungary, along with the three major countries, Germany, France, and the UK.

Comprehensive Peace Plan in 10 Points:

1. Peace and stability in Ukraine – Security guarantees and military support.
2. Reconstruction of Ukraine – Infrastructure, housing, schools, hospitals, etc.
3. Minority rights in Ukraine – Language, culture, education, employment, etc.
4. Special governance for Donbass – Within Ukraine’s borders.
5. Leasing agreement between Ukraine and Russia for a naval base and airports in Crimea.
6. No NATO troops on Ukrainian soil.
7. No NATO troops from foreign countries stationed near Russia’s borders.
8. Russia’s neighboring countries are cooperating to limit military flights near Russia’s borders.
9. Security guarantees for Russia.
10. The international community reestablishes normal cooperation and trade relations with Russia.

Ukraine wishes for the UN Secretary-General to lead the peace negotiations, and Turkey – the president Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed its willingness to host peace talks.

Achieving peace requires cooperation and months of effort from several countries and their foreign services. As I have mentioned in several articles on this website, it is obvious that the Mediation Institution should have an office in Istanbul.