With Europe’s security at stake, the coming days could decide the fate of East-West relations and the threat of war.
As the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine looms, the situation is reaching a pivotal moment that could reshape European stability and the future of East-West relations. Whether the crisis is defused or escalates into conflict will hinge on the events unfolding in the coming week. At the heart of this tension are Europe’s security framework and the agreed-upon limits regarding the deployment of both conventional and nuclear forces since the end of the Cold War.
Retired U.S. diplomat Ian Kelly, a former ambassador to Georgia, emphasized the gravity of the moment, stating, “This next 10 days or so will be critical.” The outcome of this period could either lead to a peaceful resolution or plunge Europe into war, with global implications for the balance of power.