Lots of Ukraine/Russia talking, not much listening.

U.S. BASED ANTI-RUSSIAN HYSTERIA, NOT A FOUNDATION FOR DIPLOMACY 

IS THE WEST PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE?

We see daily headlines that talks are ongoing between Russia, NATO, the EU and the U.S. The result has been virtually nothing. While all parties claim that talking is good there is little hope of any resolution of the root causes of the crisis. It appears that this present crisis and the talks that have ensued have been at the request of the Russian Federation. It does appear that is a last ditch attempt to stop the expansion of NATO in its attempt to surround Russia and continue in the U.S. policy of Containment of Russia. A policy to attempt to limit any possible growth economically and deny any influence in world affairs.

The containment policy was adopted in the late 1990's by those in the U.S. state department that claimed it was necessary to keep Russia from attempting to reestablish the former Soviet Union. An idea that is constantly touted as the goal of Russia and Putin in particular. It is an excuse for encouraging Europe not to buy Russian energy, even when the EU is on the brink of an energy crisis. 

Russia only verbally protested when NATO began expanding and placing armaments in former Warsaw pact countries.  When the U.S engaged in overthrowing the government of Ukraine, interfering in the elections in Russia, and talking of allowing Georgia, on their southern border to join NATO  that It came to the conclusion that the goal of the U.S. through NATO was the total disabling of Russia from economic and political influence. 

While the ever increasing sanctions have discouraged economic activity with the west, it has encouraged Russia to engage in activities with China, Iran and middle east countries, not a positive policy for the U.S. It has also enabled Russia to stay free of foreign debt and to become much more self reliant, just the opposite of the situation in the U.S.  

When Donald Trump ran for president, he talked of pursuing better relation with Russia. This was followed by the manufactured story of him being a Russian agent. This and the relentless blaming of Russia for every negative thing imaginable has moved this situation to a desperate place. While Russia engaged in numerous treaties for disarmament even while Putin was president it has been repaid with a policy demanding submission to the dictates of our entrenched State department. 

It seems that Russia is sending the message that this trend is at an end and is engaging in a last ditch attempt at a diplomatic solution to this anti-Russian policy. So far the answer has been only submission will do. 

We are continuously being told that Russia has a very small economy and their concerns are inconsequential and what can they do about our policy? While it is unlikely that Russia will engage in a military confrontation with the U.S. it is without a doubt that have the means to make life uncomfortable and very costly to the west.

We refused to listen the complaints and concerns from others in the not too distant past and it has cost us dearly. Are we about to do it all over again.