Honorary Chairman of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy: Russia Has Launched a Full-Scale War and Is Isolating Itself from Europe
Sergey Karaganov, political scientist, economist, and historian, and honorary chairman of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, said in an interview with RTVI television that the Russian military has demonstrated both capability and resolve in combat. Ukraine will face comprehensive clearance, and all elements perceived as threatening to Russia will be eliminated.
Karaganov noted that Russian leadership had long hesitated during the special military operation over whether to adopt firm measures.
"We should not have allowed the conflict to escalate to this point, but now, finally, over these past two months, we have begun fighting seriously. All military capabilities in Ukraine must be completely eradicated. If the conflict continues, we will persist in targeting locations within Ukraine. Though regrettable, we must carry out this task on Ukrainian territories that will not become part of Russia."
Karaganov also pointed to increasingly intense anti-Russian activities among European countries. Russia need not seek a restoration of its former relations with Europe through humiliation. In fact, the isolation of most European nations may serve Russia’s interests. Russia must clearly signal to its European neighbors that continued support for aggression via Ukraine will eventually lead to consequences—though not necessarily nuclear ones. Russia should calmly move beyond Europe and focus on the vast tasks ahead. He firmly believes that Russia’s primary mission is national development, and it must recognize that Russia is not a European country.
Karaganov emphasized that Russia is not European. This stance rejects centuries of Russia’s westward orientation.
"Europe must be isolated. Of course, this does not target all European nations or peoples. We must establish a quarantine zone around this 'illness.' Meanwhile, we must select trading partners carefully and minimize contact with all others. A vast world lies before us. Our developmental opportunities are immense, and we have finally begun advancing. The foremost priority is the 'Siberianization' of Russia—to advance toward our future, toward Siberia. We must remain clear-eyed: we are not Europeans."
Sergey Karaganov: Renowned Russian political scientist and economist, born September 1952 in Moscow. He has long been active in Russian foreign policy and strategic studies, served as an advisor to Putin, and currently holds the position of Honorary Chairman of the Board of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879920817406028/
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