Dr Gwendolyn Sasse comments on Novorossiya (New Russia)

Gwendolyn Sasse was asked by Judy Dempsey of the Carnegie Europe think tank to comment on how the West should respond to Russian President Vladimir Putins call for talks on the statehood of Ukraines restive southeast.

In the article (3 September), entitled 'Judy Asks: What Can Be Done About Novorossiya?', Gwen said:

"The less Western governments and media engage in the notion of 'Novorossiya' peddled by the Russian government, the better. The term’s main purpose is to provoke the West by conjuring up historical comparisons with a territory that included many more regions than those currently fought over by pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian army.

Instead of wasting more time on indignant outcries about Russia’s behavior vis-à-vis Ukraine, Western governments have to seriously commit to humanitarian aid and a plan for peace and reform. A regime of sanctions requires a parallel track of diplomacy."

The full article can be read here: http://www.carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/?fa=56518