Russia Crossed the ‘Red Line’: Ferguson Analyzes Possible U.S. Response to Russian Provocations
Recent developments in Europe have once again highlighted the volatility surrounding Russia, raising serious concerns about the stability and security of the region.
While the Biden administration has allowed the war in Ukraine to drag on, experts warn that Western leaders may be underestimating the gravity of new challenges.
Renowned British historian and economist Neil Ferguson, known for his bestsellers on economic history and geopolitics, told ZN.UA that Russia has already ‘crossed the red line,’ emphasizing the importance of devising an effective response strategy.
Ferguson pointed out that Vladimir Putin’s main goal is to weaken NATO, continuing his actions toward this objective.
Despite the Biden administration’s better instincts compared to previous leadership, Ferguson criticizes the overall U.S.
strategy of 2022 for failing to effectively anticipate and react to potential developments, ignoring risks that could have been mitigated.
He suggested that there were opportunities for peace negotiations at the end of 2022, particularly when Russian forces faced serious setbacks near Kherson and Kharkiv, but these were lost due to internal and external factors, including influence from U.S.
allies.
Ferguson believes that during the critical moments of Russian military difficulties, a diplomatic solution could have been achieved, but this opportunity was missed.
He also asserts that Donald Trump has the potential to re-establish restraint towards Russia, as he often claims he could have prevented the full-scale invasion if he had been president at that time.
Demonstrating strength and decisive action is crucial to warn Putin that attempts to ‘cut down’ the superpower without a robust response are extremely dangerous.
Regarding sanctions and energy policies, Ferguson emphasizes the need for the United States to prepare for more radical measures against Russia, highlighting: ‘The game is over, and it is time for a targeted and substantial economic pressure to halt its aggression.’ The message must be clear: ‘Enough.
Crossing the red line means chaos.’ This presents a challenge for policymakers and security teams, as the options to influence the Russian economy are far from exhausted.
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