In the video: Nick Kolyukhin in an interview with Lieutenant Colonel (res.) Israel (Relic) Shapir/Editor: Ziv Steiner
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine casts a huge shadow on the international arena, and it seems that it also directly affects Israel's position.
In this new series of articles, "The World is Burning", international journalist Nick Kulyukhin presents a series of interviews with leading experts in the field of security and international relations, to examine the war in Eastern Europe through the lens of global changes following the Corona crisis.
This time, Nick Kolyukhin spoke with Lieutenant Colonel (Rest.) Israel (Rallik) Shapir, a veteran pilot in the Air Force and the former commander of Hatzor and Tel Nof bases.
Shapir, one of the eight pilots chosen to attack the nuclear reactor in Iraq in 1981, expresses deep concern about the situation in Ukraine and its strategic importance for Russia.
In his opinion, the West was wrong in assessing Moscow's concerns and the consequences of Ukraine for its security.
"Ukraine is seen by Russia as a security belt," he says.
"It has had access to the sea and the Russian defense space for hundreds of years. After losing the security belt in the Baltic region, Russia will fight to keep its south safe. In my opinion, Europe and the United States were wrong to push to strengthen the relationship between Ukraine and the West, and apparently Russia did not act wisely in all its steps either Perhaps it would be useful to reach an agreement that Ukraine could join the European Union, but does not have to undergo demilitarization, as long as it does not pose a direct military threat to Russia. After these years of war, it may be possible to reach such agreements."
Journalist Nick Kulyukhin/courtesy of the photographer
Shapir also emphasizes the historical aspect of the conflict, noting the Russian leadership's deep belief in its ability to confront powerful opponents, as it has done in the past.
The European faith stands in front of them, and the question of who is stronger currently has no clear answer.
"The Russians see themselves through history, as a society that can go through any upheaval and adversity, as it did for many years in the past, especially during World War II. But we also have to remember that the Europeans went through very dark periods in history, so the question is whether they are also ready to go through such difficulties and survive As the Russians do. I don't think so. That's why Putin is trying to show the West that Russia is strong, like in the Napoleonic War and the Second World War. But all this can be avoided if there is an agreement that Ukraine will not be part of NATO, Russia can export its resources to the West and revive its economy.
I don't think there is a need for a strategic conflict in this region, when there is only a tactical problem that can be solved."
The full interview with Shapir in the player above.
To Nick Kulyukhin's Facebook page>>
In collaboration with the international journalist Nick Kolyukhin
More on the same topic:
International Relations