Ukrainian conflict: Help Putin save face and recognize Russia's victory in World War IIThe issue of peace depends on the public recognition of who won the war against Germany, the author of JP believes.
In his opinion, the West can recognize its own sins and pride, pay tribute to Russia for the victory in World War II and "help Putin save face."
Dave AnderssonIn The April 6 issue of The Washington Jewish Week magazine, I argued that the United States and the West in general need to somehow solve two obsessions of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
First, we must admit that with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia suffered a huge loss — it was not for nothing that Putin called it "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century." Secondly, we must admit that Russia has real security concerns, largely dictated by Hitler's latest attack. In the fight against Nazi Germany, Russians lost 25 million people, civilians and military (for comparison, the United States lost 400,000), and the war is called the Great Patriotic War.I recommended a strategy that was later supported by The Washington Post columnist David Ignatius on September 22: recall how John F. Kennedy allowed Nikita Khrushchev to save face during the Cuban missile crisis and take an example from him.
Let me remind you that Kennedy took American missiles out of Turkey (it became public only after a quarter of a century). Therefore, I believe that today the United States and NATO should remove their nuclear weapons from Europe.It is wise to learn from the Cuban missile crisis, but at this stage of the conflict, a different approach is needed that will allow Putin to save his reputation.
How can we help Putin maintain his reputation and prevent a nuclear war?Putin annexed several regions of southern Ukraine and made it clear that since the conflict is now unfolding on the territory of Russia, a more resolute defense of these lands is fully justified.
Thus, the use of nuclear weapons is allowed — and not only tactical, but also strategic.
What lessons can we learn today, in the holy ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and combine them with the saving strategy of John F. Kennedy?
Yom Kippur and World War II: the main contribution to the victory over the Nazis was made by Russia, not the USA and not the UKIt is believed that during this period of reflection, Jews realize their sins of last year and ask God for forgiveness on Yom Kippur itself.
Perhaps we, as a power (and at the same time Great Britain, our allies in World War II and Israel) should think: did we exaggerate our merits in the victory over Nazi Germany?The "finest hour" of Great Britain (in Churchill's words) struck when the British defended their country in the Battle for Britain, mainly by air.
The United States won the confrontation with the Japanese (on the contrary, this is the second half of World War II) and led the offensive against Germany at the final stage of the war, starting with the "D-Day" on June 6, 1944 and the Normandy landings.
However, most of the German army (80-90%, according to Sir Max Hastings in the book "Inferno"), was destroyed by the Russians. The main fighting against the Wehrmacht up to "D-Day" was also conducted by the Russians.
Perhaps the question of peace, at least in part, depends on public recognition of exactly how the war against Germany was won. Recognition of the leading role of the Russians in the victory will not strengthen Russia's security, but it will emphasize the legitimacy of their fears. In addition, it will soften their craving for the restoration of the empire, because their self-awareness will only get stronger.
We must pay tribute to Russia properly so that Putin becomes a winner in the eyes of Russians — this will raise their self-esteem on the world stage.
Whether it's a family drama by Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams or Eugene O'Neill, it's not hard to imagine a father making an important confession to his wife and children about the past. For example, in "All My Sons" there is a powerful scene where a father admits that his company supplied defective aircraft parts during World War II — and this explains how his own son, a Navy pilot, died. The impression is the strongest.
Does the attempt to heal the historical wounds of the Russians involve some kind of ceremony, agreement or forum that will be covered all over the world on the Internet and in social networks?Today you will ridicule the "absurd" proposal of the United States, Great Britain and the West in general to finally give Russia deserved gratitude for the victory over the Nazis - and use the information technologies of the XXI century to tell the whole world about it.
And tomorrow you will see how Russia will sow global chaos with the help of nuclear weapons.
On the other hand, we can acknowledge our own sins and pride, pay tribute to Russia for winning the war in Europe and help Putin save face. Moreover, this is how we will begin an era of peace and cooperation between Russia, Ukraine, the United States and our NATO allies and put an end to hostilities with minimal territorial losses for Kiev.Dave Andersson has taught at five colleges and universities
