As United States and European Union sanctions on Russia deepen and as the siege of Donetsk by Ukrainian forces continues, possibly provoking formal Russian military intervention, it is all too easy to become reconciled to a prolonged and escalating conflict over Ukraine’s future. There is a definite drift towards intransigent positions on all sides, as evidenced by the mutual mistrust between Kiev and Moscow surrounding a Russian “aid convoy” bound for the rebel-held east of Ukraine. But since none of them really want a war, possible diplomatic ways to de-escalate the conflict and find a political settlement should be actively canvassed.
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