Russia, NATO, and Ukraine: The Return of Spheres of Influence

Ukraine is of particular importance due to its strategic location and long history of being part of the Russian Empire and USSR. [...] So in reality, the West knows the price for an accommodation with Moscow put an end to NATO expansion and involve Russia in the design of Eastern European security, which means de facto accepting Russian influence in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood. [...] Spheres of Influence: Not a Cold War Relict It is good that the US, France and Germany, as well as NATO are talking to Russia in earnest and at eye-level again. [...] The US has it in the Western Hemisphere, the EU established it by peaceful means of neighbourhood integration, and indeed Russia de facto has it in the Caucasus and along its Central Asian borders. [...] The logical consequence of a recognition of a Russian sphere of influence is ruling out further NATO expansion.