Embassy comment

We have read yet another piece by Jonathan Eyal in the Straits Times, which once again exposes the inconsistency and deep bias of his worldview. Rather than offering a balanced perspective, the author seems determined to discredit the very idea of peace negotiations – all to please his Western patrons.

Which is more, Mr Eyal’s primary objective appears to be shifting responsibility for the complex and fragile state of the talks onto others, particularly Russia, while turning a blind eye to Europe’s role – not only in sustaining the conflict through continuous arms deliveries and inflammatory rhetoric, but also in shaping and emboldening Kiev’s hardline position. In this light, Eyal’s analysis becomes less an examination of diplomacy and more a tool of distraction – one that diverts attention from the uncomfortable reality that Europe, for all its public calls for peace, continues to act as a key driver of this conflict’s prolongation.

This is where the real question of responsibility must be raised. It is Europe that must take a hard and honest look at the consequences of its actions and its short-sighted policies, and to really think about responsibility for peace and future of the European continent.