Cold War history fuels Europe, U.S. clash over Ukraine crisis

Far from the rubble-strewn streets of eastern Ukraine, a clash of titans is taking place as Europe and America tussle over visions for the post-Cold War era. The lessons drawn from a painful common history by those old enough to remember are being used by both American and European leaders to underpin their competing visions of how to deal with an unruly Russia. The diplomatic effort comes as the U.S. and some European allies consider supplying arms to Ukrainian forces, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned of a deepening conflict that can’t be won militarily. A breakdown of negotiations would also strain transatlantic unity in dealing with Russia, as Europe’s consensus on economic sanctions shows signs of fraying.

This is really just a desperate effort on the part of the West and Ukraine to keep hope alive and for Russia and the separatists to buy time for their next move and for moving in reinforcements…I don’t think these talks will result in a settlement.

Joerg Forbrig, a senior program director at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin

As Merkel and Biden met in Munich, the carnage in east Ukraine continued, with pro-Russian rebels pressing their advantage ahead of a possible cease-fire later this week. Some U.S. military and intelligence officials assess that Putin’s current strategic objective is a land link from Russia to Crimea through Mariupol, and that a major offensive against the port city of 500,000 is inevitable.

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