The European Union seems to be helpless to resolve the crisis in the war-torn state. It mainly contents itself with blunt appeals to the warring parties or calls to strengthen the role of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) — an observing institution that has never played a substantial role in the Ukrainian conflict, the author wrote.
According to Schlitz, this weak strategy plays into the hands of Vladimir Putin, who is allegedly seeking to destabilize the country. The journalist suggests strengthening sanctions against Russia and providing Kiev with further assistance, for instance through weapons supplies and financial aid.
Schlitz argues that the EU underestimates the strategic importance of the Eastern Ukraine. According to him, Europeans should enhance their presence in the region to observe the situation and assist in the monitoring of borders and elections, helping Ukraine to get rid of its status as a European backyard.
