Van Rompuy suggests federalization of Ukraine as possible solution

Ukraine needs a comprehensive resolution to its conflict with Russia such as becoming a “decentralized (or federalized) and inclusive” country, according to the text of a speech delivered by EU Council Head Herman van Rompuy to the Institute of Political Research in Paris on Nov. 25. Ukraine is supposed to integrate with the EU, in accordance with the will of the majority of its population, as well as establish “sound relations with Russia, with which it shares a common history, culture and language,” he said, as reported by the Ukrayinska Pravda news site.

Roundtable negotiations in the format of Oslo 1993 are needed between the key players, van Rompuy said. Without a negotiated resolution, the consequences of the Ukraine crisis could be similar to the Balkan wars (in the former Yugoslavia) in the 1990s. “We have 1,000 dead since the time that the Sept. 5 Minsk protocols were approved,” he said. “I don’t call this a cease-fire. The new regime awaits a similar fate if everything remains as is.” Van Rompuy will conclude his term as EU Council head on Dec. 1.

Zenon Zawada: We are shocked that van Rompuy would use the “f-word” when referring to Ukraine. Recent polls showed the majority of Ukrainians view decentralization as necessary but federalization as out of the question. We have no doubt that the Russian government will merely use federalization – the declared aim of Russian President Putin – as a pretext for the further expansion of its highly corrupt, criminal clan-based economy not only into Ukraine, but potentially other regions on its borders. Federalization would also enable Russia to establish more military bases throughout Ukraine. We see it as a precursor to the end of a sovereign Ukrainian state.

Van Rompuy’s remarks sounded like they were taken from Kremlin talking points, particularly about the reference to “a common history, culture and language.” Ukraine’s choice to integrate with Europe is not about history, culture and language. It is about wanting to adopt Western values and institutions that promote peace and prosperity, such as rule of law, equality before the law, private property rights and free and fair markets.

Van Rompuy is the highest EU official to have used the “federalization” word in regards to Ukraine, which could be the start of a very disturbing trend. The U.S. has just elected a Republican-controlled Congress that is willing to be more assertive in responding to Russian aggression. If other European leaders start to consider federalization, then we will not only see Putin emboldened in his expansionist plans (which are not necessarily limited to Ukraine), but we will also see a rift emerge between the dovish EU and the hawkish U.S., a division that the Kremlin has been aiming to achieve.