Espreso. Global
Exclusive

West made fatal mistake regarding Russia — diplomat Ohryzko

Sofia Polonska
26 December, 2024 Thursday
21:15

Diplomat Volodymyr Ohryzko believes that the West made a fatal mistake when, in the early 1990s, they believed that Russia could become part of the democratic world

client/title.list_title

He expressed this opinion on the air of Espreso TV.

"In the early 1990s, the West really believed that Russia would one day be able to join the democratic part of humanity. This was a fatal mistake that lasted until February 24, 2022. Only after that did this myth begin to fade from the heads of Western leaders. Unfortunately, this fading is happening very slowly. 

However, the process is still ongoing. It seems to me that everything that happened in 2024 contributed to this process of fading away of erroneous views about Russia going much faster. It has not always been successful. Not everyone wants to understand this, not everyone is economically successful, not all countries are independent of Moscow, etc.," explained Ogryzko.

According to the diplomat, there are partners of Ukraine who, due to their own prejudices, do not provide Kyiv with the assistance that would force the Russian Federation to retreat and not unleash attacks on the civilian population.

"Today, there are too many factors that influence the position of certain countries towards Russia. Therefore, unfortunately, we did not have a quick result and, accordingly, a victory. It is often very difficult to break through the wall of prejudices. This is a titanic work that consists of many factors. And I do not know whether we could have a quick result in this war. 

For example, take Germany, which provides Ukraine with simply colossal assistance. However, can Berlin really not overcome some prejudices and their own fears and provide Ukraine with the weapons that will allow it to destroy military targets on the territory of the Russian Federation, which are threatening us. And this is just one example," he added.

  • On December 22, it was reported that the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump said that he would wait for a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to resolve the war in Ukraine.
  • On December 22, Trump reached out to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy with an offer to consider the possibility of holding peace talks with Russia and abandoning the occupied territories.

 

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
5 February
12:48
Updated
Ukrainian forces target oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, fire breaks out
12:37
Exclusive
Ukraine targets 30 Russian facilities in January — military expert Zgurets
12:15
OPINION
Exchanging Ukraine’s rare earth metals for U.S. military aid is solid deal. Column by Vitaly Portnikov
11:54
Russian conscription fails to offset battlefield losses — ISW
11:32
Review
Ukraine’s military reform: key goals, objectives. Serhiy Zgurets’ column
11:09
Ukrainian forces repel 35 Russian attacks near Pokrovsk, 12 in Kursk region on Feb. 4
10:31
Exclusive
Russia likely increases Shahed drone warhead to 90kg — Kharkiv official
10:13
Over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia — Zelenskyy
09:55
Russia loses 1,140 soldiers, 52 artillery systems, 9 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
09:36
Updated
Russian ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s Izyum kills 5, injures 55
2025, Tuesday
4 February
21:45
Gimli robotic complex joins Ukraine's army, aiding in evacuation and resupply
21:30
Exclusive
When could Ukraine hold elections after the war? Lawyer explains
21:12
Ryanair plans to resume flights to Lviv, Kyiv 4-6 weeks after war ends
20:57
Black Sea tankers wreck: IMO holds Russia responsible
20:40
"Don't let them drain resources": military commander reacts to Trump
20:23
Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology, Ukrainian NAUDI agree to cooperate
20:07
Exclusive
USAID funding freeze: Expert Riabtsev on potential risks for Ukraine’s energy sector
19:51
Exclusive
Trump's proposal to get rare metals from Ukraine is political move – analyst
19:35
"We are open to U.S. investments": Zelenskyy responds to Trump's statement on rare earth elements
19:08
Ukraine to introduce mandatory psychological aid training for doctors – First Lady
18:50
Exclusive
Ukrainian forces may have to withdraw from Chasiv Yar – military analyst
18:33
Von der Leyen urges EU to find "most creative way" to use Russian assets for Ukraine
18:15
Exclusive
Western weapons can now strike deep into Russia, but new problem emerges
17:54
U.S., Ukraine did not discuss elections before 2025 — Ambassador Markarova
17:34
Updated
"The situation is critical": IAEA chief visits key substations vital for Ukraine's nuclear power plants
17:14
Russian national hockey team banned from 2026 World Championship
16:55
Ukraine’s HIV response at risk amid U.S. aid freeze
16:33
Support for military aid to Ukraine declines in Poland
16:15
Russia equips Gerbera foam drones with warheads
15:56
Ukraine’s parliament approves defense loan agreement with UK
15:32
Ukrainian troops release GoPro footage of repelling Russian assault, eliminating two squads
15:14
OPINION
Ukraine’s power sector withstands winter challenges, but risks remain
14:55
Ukraine’s embassy facilitates meetings between Zelenskyy, Trump teams — Ambassador
14:33
Hopes for Russian democracy met harsh reality – Ex-MP Kendzior on Ukrainian diaspora in 1990s
13:57
Review
Russian advance slows down, how Ukrainian Armed Forces approaches change. Serhiy Zgurets' column
13:35
U.S. firefighters document impact of Russian strikes in Ukraine, set to release second film
13:16
Exclusive
Ukraine takes key step in reforming Armed Forces management system – military expert
12:55
Norway provides significant aid to Ukraine but profits from war-driven revenues
12:34
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22
Russian forces scale back assaults in Pokrovsk sector: Ukrainian officer explains why
12:14
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 22-29
Russian forces pushing to launch battle for Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region
More news