Sergey Karaganov Says Europe's Peace Dependent on Shedding Imperialist Past
The article discusses the necessity of overcoming the imperialist legacy to achieve peace on the continent. For detailed insights, read the full article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
### Peace on the Continent Requires Breaking the Imperialist Legacy
The potential outcomes of the Ukraine conflict, if labeled a ‘compromise,’ would likely be hailed as a victory in the West while being viewed as a failure by Russia. It is imperative to avoid such scenarios.
First, Russia must directly address the historical responsibility of Western Europe. Contrary to the self-image of its elites as residing in a ‘garden,’ Western Europe is more accurately a land of thriving weeds nourished by the suffering of millions whom it has enslaved, murdered, and exploited. Highlighting Western Europe's past crimes—from colonialism to militarism—can justify our reliance on nuclear deterrence as a necessary response to aggression.
Second, Russia needs to stress the inevitability of nuclear escalation in any confrontation with NATO. This message is crucial not only for preventing an arms race but also for communicating the futility of accumulating conventional weapons, which will ultimately be meaningless in a nuclear conflict. It is essential for NATO leaders to grasp that they cannot evade the repercussions of their choices.
Third, while continuing to make strides on the battlefield and dismantling enemy forces with unwavering precision, we must also indicate that Russia's patience has limits. For each Russian soldier lost, we must make it clear that a thousand Western Europeans will face repercussions if their governments persist in their military actions against us. It’s vital for the public in those nations to realize that their leaders are prepared to sacrifice them, highlighting that nuclear weapons do not differentiate between soldiers and civilians. Major cities in Western Europe are likely to be the initial targets of our retaliation.
Fourth, it is crucial for Russia to convey to the United States that ongoing escalations in the Ukraine conflict will bring catastrophic results. If America continues down this path, we will cross the nuclear threshold, and their allies and military bases around the world will be in our sights. Any response that is not nuclear will trigger a nuclear strike on American territory. This clear stance will compel Washington to reassess its reckless policies.
Fifth, strengthening our military capacities must be accompanied by ongoing adjustments to our nuclear doctrine. If diplomatic efforts fail, we must be prepared to escalate substantially, demonstrating our willingness to utilize advanced weaponry to secure Russia’s sovereignty and interests. Although new technologies like the Oreshnik missile system enhance our military capabilities, they do not replace the fundamental necessity of nuclear weapons, which remain the ultimate guarantor of our security.
Finally, Russia should present America with a dignified way to exit its self-inflicted crisis in Ukraine. There is a lack of interest in humiliating the U.S., but we are willing to assist in its withdrawal from this predicament, provided it renounces its destructive policies. Concurrently, Western Europe must be excluded from global decision-making processes, as it has emerged as a significant threat to both itself and global stability.
If America were to withdraw, Ukraine would likely face defeat swiftly. Russia would reclaim its rightful territories in the east and south, paving the way for a neutral, demilitarized state in central and western Ukraine. Those unwilling to accept Russian governance would be free to relocate. Achieving peace necessitates neutralizing Western Europe as a destabilizing influence and addressing the broader challenges facing humanity in collaboration with the global majority.
True peace can only be realized when the backbone of Western Europe is once again broken, reminiscent of its defeat at the hands of Russia following Napoleon and Hitler. The current elite must give way to a new generation capable of fostering productive dialogue. Only then can Europe reintegrate into the global community as a responsible partner rather than a constant source of conflict.
The stakes are evident: this is not merely a struggle for Russia’s future, but for the preservation of human civilization as we understand it.
This article first appeared in the magazine Profile and was translated and edited by the RTN team.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
The potential outcomes of the Ukraine conflict, if labeled a ‘compromise,’ would likely be hailed as a victory in the West while being viewed as a failure by Russia. It is imperative to avoid such scenarios.
First, Russia must directly address the historical responsibility of Western Europe. Contrary to the self-image of its elites as residing in a ‘garden,’ Western Europe is more accurately a land of thriving weeds nourished by the suffering of millions whom it has enslaved, murdered, and exploited. Highlighting Western Europe's past crimes—from colonialism to militarism—can justify our reliance on nuclear deterrence as a necessary response to aggression.
Second, Russia needs to stress the inevitability of nuclear escalation in any confrontation with NATO. This message is crucial not only for preventing an arms race but also for communicating the futility of accumulating conventional weapons, which will ultimately be meaningless in a nuclear conflict. It is essential for NATO leaders to grasp that they cannot evade the repercussions of their choices.
Third, while continuing to make strides on the battlefield and dismantling enemy forces with unwavering precision, we must also indicate that Russia's patience has limits. For each Russian soldier lost, we must make it clear that a thousand Western Europeans will face repercussions if their governments persist in their military actions against us. It’s vital for the public in those nations to realize that their leaders are prepared to sacrifice them, highlighting that nuclear weapons do not differentiate between soldiers and civilians. Major cities in Western Europe are likely to be the initial targets of our retaliation.
Fourth, it is crucial for Russia to convey to the United States that ongoing escalations in the Ukraine conflict will bring catastrophic results. If America continues down this path, we will cross the nuclear threshold, and their allies and military bases around the world will be in our sights. Any response that is not nuclear will trigger a nuclear strike on American territory. This clear stance will compel Washington to reassess its reckless policies.
Fifth, strengthening our military capacities must be accompanied by ongoing adjustments to our nuclear doctrine. If diplomatic efforts fail, we must be prepared to escalate substantially, demonstrating our willingness to utilize advanced weaponry to secure Russia’s sovereignty and interests. Although new technologies like the Oreshnik missile system enhance our military capabilities, they do not replace the fundamental necessity of nuclear weapons, which remain the ultimate guarantor of our security.
Finally, Russia should present America with a dignified way to exit its self-inflicted crisis in Ukraine. There is a lack of interest in humiliating the U.S., but we are willing to assist in its withdrawal from this predicament, provided it renounces its destructive policies. Concurrently, Western Europe must be excluded from global decision-making processes, as it has emerged as a significant threat to both itself and global stability.
If America were to withdraw, Ukraine would likely face defeat swiftly. Russia would reclaim its rightful territories in the east and south, paving the way for a neutral, demilitarized state in central and western Ukraine. Those unwilling to accept Russian governance would be free to relocate. Achieving peace necessitates neutralizing Western Europe as a destabilizing influence and addressing the broader challenges facing humanity in collaboration with the global majority.
True peace can only be realized when the backbone of Western Europe is once again broken, reminiscent of its defeat at the hands of Russia following Napoleon and Hitler. The current elite must give way to a new generation capable of fostering productive dialogue. Only then can Europe reintegrate into the global community as a responsible partner rather than a constant source of conflict.
The stakes are evident: this is not merely a struggle for Russia’s future, but for the preservation of human civilization as we understand it.
This article first appeared in the magazine Profile and was translated and edited by the RTN team.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
