It is obvious to everyone that Russia and Ukraine are currently unable to conduct any meaningful peace talks, that the situation on the battlefield is at a dead end, and the number of victims of the military confrontation has been growing every day. Therefore, the only thing that can and should be done now is to conclude a ceasefire agreement and stop killing people. But to take this vital step, it is necessary to understand the irreversible tragedy and strategic futility of what is happening, the will and diplomatic wisdom of the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, the USA, Great Britain, the European Union, and perhaps also China, India and Brazil are required.

However, the modern ruling elites have proven to be extremely weak in professional diplomacy and understanding of the future. In this, they are very reminiscent of those politicians who led the world to World War I at the beginning of the last century. They do not act in accordance with reality, but on the basis of wishful thinking, i.e., substituting the wish for reality, preferring not to understand either the meanings or the consequences of what is happening. Political somnambulism is becoming a common phenomenon among today’s global ruling class.

Modern digital technologies, omnipresent social networks, and the growing implementation of artificial intelligence have a significant impact on world politics and decision-making today. We should not forget that World War I, the disastrous Versailles Peace Treaty, and, as a result, the even more destructive World War II were preceded by a technological and industrial boom at the beginning of the 20th century. Only after surviving the catastrophe of two world wars, humanity was able to formulate the foundations of a new life together — the inviolability of human life, human rights and freedom as absolute and indisputable values. Today, these foundations have critically weakened and we are once again, like 110 years ago, find ourselves just a step away from a major war.

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In the interview for RTVi’s Marianna Minsker Grigory Yavlinsky talks about the threatening issues of the world diplomacy, about the US role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and explains why a ceasefire is necessary. (Aired on September 14, 2024)

0:00 Teaser
0:05 Scholz's initiative
5:20 About readiness for talks
9:25 How to stop?
13:10 About Putin's position
15:00 It's impossible to settle about anything right now
18:55 The way to a big collision
22:55 About the US elections