David Owen, a former British foreign secretary, recently shared his views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, expressing his belief that a swift resolution could be possible if Donald Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. In an interview, he described the war in Ukraine as Russia’s “second invasion,” a reference to the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and highlighted the need for a change in leadership in Washington to foster peace talks.
Owen’s analysis emphasizes the significant deterioration of UK-Russia relations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He reflected on a letter he signed in 2022 calling for a new NATO treaty that would reduce hostility toward Russia, expressing regret that relations have worsened instead. Owen asserted that productive dialogue, akin to the years of cooperation during Boris Yeltsin’s presidency, is only possible after the Ukraine war concludes. He suggested that Trump’s potential return to the presidency could open pathways for negotiation, as Trump has historically expressed a desire to improve relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In discussing the U.S. military support for Ukraine, Owen pointed out that President Joe Biden currently leads U.S. foreign policy and has been hesitant to escalate tensions with NATO’s involvement. He characterized the current state of UK-Russia relations as the worst since the Cold War and attributed the deterioration to Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine. Owen recalled a time when relations between the UK and Russia were strong, particularly during the Yeltsin era, when Russia sought economic liberalization and embraced cooperation with Western nations. He expressed disappointment that this collaborative spirit has vanished.
Regarding the threats made by pro-Kremlin figures against the UK, Owen dismissed the notion that Russia could engage in a unilateral conflict with Britain, arguing that any aggression would involve NATO and the United States from the outset. He stressed the importance of understanding the broader implications of a potential Russian attack and highlighted that both Russia and the West must acknowledge the complex dynamics at play.
Owen further examined NATO’s eastward expansion, suggesting that Western leaders, in their eagerness to incorporate new members, overlooked the historical sensitivities of Russia regarding its borders. He argued that mistakes were made in how NATO managed its relationship with Russia following the Cold War and that these oversights contributed to the current tensions.
The former foreign secretary expressed his belief that there could be a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine that would involve some territorial concessions. He suggested that Russia has likely learned lessons from the current war and that negotiations could lead to a workable boundary, allowing for continued trade between Ukraine and Russia. Owen indicated that boundaries are not absolute and that historical changes in territorial lines are common, suggesting a need for a pragmatic approach to resolving the conflict.
In contemplating the future of UK-Russia relations, Owen advocated for increased interpersonal exchanges and visits between citizens of both nations. He expressed a desire to reconnect with old friends and critics in Russia, emphasizing that rebuilding relations should be prioritized as soon as conditions allow.
Overall, Owen’s perspective highlights the intricate web of historical, political, and diplomatic factors that have shaped the current situation between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the potential paths forward contingent upon future U.S. leadership and international cooperation.
