Wars are to be prevented again in Geneva. For Switzerland, the return of the Cold War is an opportunity to underline its neutrality
The Cold War is back. Last June, Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin met for a summit in Geneva. The last meeting at this stage was in 1985: between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, who had just assumed the office of Secretary General of the Communist Party.
During the Cold War, the blocs defended their zones of influence. The nuclear deterrent prevented the escalation.
Russia claims Ukraine as part of its history and culture. Like Crimea, which Putin was able to recapture – he accepted the collateral damage.
An invasion of Ukraine harbors greater dangers. Geneva is about preventing a war.
After the embarrassing appearance of Joe Biden, which the American journalists in Geneva commented mercilessly, it had his master’s voice difficult to formulate a clear point of view convincingly. Even an “assumed aggression not said” was – or would – be used with live guns, blinking in Geneva.
Meanwhile, Putin continued to use threats throughout Friday. The Russian parliament discussed the recognition of the separatists in Ukraine. Moscow demanded the withdrawal of NATO soldiers in Romania and Bulgaria – subito. It was still too early to envisage another meeting between the presidents, Biden’s proposal was rejected.
Russia also wants to prevent a war. And maybe even do without Ukraine. However, the idea that the brother and neighboring country is developing in the direction of a Western-style democracy IS unbearable.
The West is no longer quite as serious about defending its values as it is in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. There are good reasons for this too – not just Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.
After the summit, Ignatio Cassis chatted with Blinken and Lavrov one-on-one. There is talk of a Ukraine conference in Switzerland. Their representatives should also be invited.
For Geneva and Switzerland, the return of the Cold War is an opportunity to profile their foreign policy and underline the sense of neutrality.