US should steer clear of a new Cold War

Developments in the evolving relationship among elements in Ukraine and Russia continue to play out, most recently with disputed elections Sunday in the Donetsk and Luhansk areas of eastern Ukraine.

The critical piece for the United States is not to be drawn into a new Cold War with Russia. For President Vladimir Putin, it’s about restoring Russian pride, which was diminished substantially when the Soviet Union collapsed in the last century. For the United States, the danger comes from military types and the weapons industry, which are always looking for new opportunities.

Putin appears to be gradually withdrawing Russian forces from eastern Ukraine and neighboring Russia. Yet U.S. and some NATO military leaders appear to be trumpeting alleged but insufficiently documented signs of more Russian aggressiveness in Europe.

Russia has “recognized” the Nov. 2 elections in Ukraine’s Donbas region, the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, but is not beyond urging the Ukrainian government in Kiev, which held elections itself the week before in the areas it controls, to negotiate with the separatists.

The only way unity will be restored is through talks, although some elements in Kiev hope the United States or NATO will intervene to unite the divided country. The Oct. 26 elections left the pro-Western elements in Ukraine in disarray, with divisions between rival leaders and dozens of political parties represented in the 450-member parliament waiting to be resolved.

For the United States, the correct position is to stay in touch with the Kiev government, Putin and, if possible, the Donetsk and Luhansk leaders, urging increased cooperation leading toward Ukrainian unity. There is no useful military role for the United States or NATO, but economic aid can certainly be delayed as an incentive to restoring unity.