Ukraine: The 'Borderland' Nation and what supporting it means for Transatlantic Se ****************************************************************************************** * Ukraine: The 'Borderland' Nation and what supporting it means for Transatlantic Security ****************************************************************************************** Many of you may recall the news coverage of the Russian annexation of parts of the Ukraine week on the 19th October the Faculty of Social Sciences of Charles University hosted a lec Steven Pifer, the former US Ambassador to Ukraine, regarding Russia’s aggressive policies, act in an aggressive manner not seen since the years of the Union of Soviet Socialist Repu To sum up events of the last year, it started with pro-EU demonstrations in the Ukrainian and Pro-Russian protests in the Crimea demonstrating difference of regional opinion, with supporters demanding to join Russia. Capitalising on that internal split paramilitary forc ‘little green men’ began to seize strategic locations within Crimea, including the parliam airports. These ‘little green men’ were trained professionals without insignia, but all wo uniform and carried Russian military equipment. After these forces took full control of Cr Russian was assigned as the new Prime Minister of Crimea.  This action was a violation of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum which demands that Ukrainian borders and sovereignty be respe   Following this, Russian forces went into Donetsk where fighting erupted between Russian forces. Since then, there has been a failed ceasefire and a second one now tenuously remai With this as the topic and Mr Pifer’s impressive political career and involvement with Ukr no doubt that he would deliver an interesting and engaging lecture.  I was not disappointe lecture focused on the possible effects towards transatlantic security, as well as what no of the US, the EU, and NATO. One reason he argued for concern was due to the readiness of military force in order to change borders as they please. As well as the fact that their a defended by the Kremlin who claim that they reserve a right to protect ethnic Russians reg location or nationality. Putin’s aims, as suggested by Mr Pifer, are to resurrect the Russ influence as seen during the years of the USSR. Putin does not want economic responsibilit countries like the USSR did, but does aspire to ensure that bordering countries are pro-Ru pro-European Union. The necessary actions by western nations and organisations, as Mr Pifer puts it, can be pu stages. Deter, Contain, and Engage. Firstly, NATO should attempt to deter Russia with mili If NATO are able to clearly show that they are prepared, Kremlin calculations regarding po actions may be less rash making any repeat violations less likely. The NATO presence would enough to deter Russian encroachment into other neighbouring countries. Secondly, there is a necessity for constraint. This means not allowing Putin’s Russia to g influence. Supporting neighbouring countries to Russia such as Ukraine, Moldova, and Georg well as militarily will help do this. The etymology of the word ‘Ukraine’ derives from the word ‘ukraina’ meaning ‘borderland’. This is exactly what Ukraine (as well as Moldova, Geo as, the borderland between the EU/western nations and Russia. Maintaining influence and su borderland nations is therefore crucial in thwarting the Russian effort to evolve its sphe   This does not come cheap.  In his lecture, Mr Pifer suggested that 5-7 billion US govern should be designated to supporting Ukraine. Supporting “borderland” nations and promoting could even lead to future EU membership. Deterring Russian aggression is not only limited countries like Ukraine, but also requires economic sanctions on Russia. These sanctions ar banks and industries, and should remain for as long as the situation in Crimea and Ukraine Russian economy is said to have contracted around 4% in just a matter of months following sanctions. Lastly, but by no means least, an effort must be made to engage with Russia. Guidelines sh out to ensure that there are no misunderstandings between NATO and Russian forces. This ap location, like Syria for example, where Russian military and NATO forces can come into con another. According to Mr Pifer, Putin’s regime has a tendency to evoke fear with other nat these sorts of agreements difficult. It is however a point that NATO will have to work on, fatal accidents occur which could escalate international tensions. [ URL ""] Mr Pifer is clearly committed and knowledgeable in the issue, and it is reassuri believes that by continuing to follow these three policies, the safety of nations borderin as those further west should continue. Without implementing these measures however, his vi would see a continuation of last year’s events, endangering the security of nations border then even transatlantic security. Certainly something to think about. Will Chamberlain studies BA History at the University of Essex, UK, and is currently study Charles University for an academic year. Originally from London, he enjoys travel, sport, well as this, he enjoys writing and photography which led to his interest in journalism an to gain experience and improve his skills in journalism, as well as meet other aspiring wr