A Ukrainian scholar and activist now teaching at Syracuse University says western countries need to step up their support of Ukraine before Russia takes control of eastern and central Europe.
Tetiana Hranchak fled Ukraine with her husband nearly three years ago when the invasion began. On Monday, Russian troops claimed to capture a stronghold in eastern Ukraine after a months long battle. She says Vladimir Putin will continue to ramp up fighting in Ukraine and elsewhere.
“If we will be able to predict that we will have new levels of escalation, western countries have to react," Hranchak said. "They should be prepared for this. Or maybe not just react on some new levels of escalation, but do something.”
She says Ukraine is seeking more than selective condemnations for Putin’s actions. Hranchak says one idea involves admitting Ukraine to NATO.
“Ukraine joining NATO will mean the readiness of the western countries to defend their own sovereignty and remain subjects of international relations, and such determination in itself is a deterrent," Hranchak said.
She says refusing Ukraine membership means a willingness to accept defeat in exchange for the mercy of Russia and Putin.
“Consequences can be horrible because no one can guarantee that Putin’s crazy fantasies will stop on in Ukraine.”
Hranchak says there is some hope that the incoming Trump administration will have better luck negotiating with Putin, but she doubts that’ll be successful on Ukraine's behalf. Last month, Trump indicated a willingness to cede large parts of Ukraine to Russia, and that NATO membership for Ukraine was off the table.
Click the "listen" tab above the photo to hear an extended conversation with Dr. Hranchak.
