Russia's War Against Ukraine
OP-ED
Emma Ashford: Ukrainian crisis must not become a frozen conflict
A board advertises to join the pro-Russian rebels on a main street near Donetsk on Nov. 11, 2014.
The Ukrainian crisis appears increasingly intractable. Despite successful Ukrainian national elections in late October, illegal separatist elections held a few days later have undermined the fragile peace plan, leaving the region effectively in limbo. As a result, many argue that eastern Ukraine is on its way to becoming a frozen conflict, joining the ranks of other post-Soviet crises in which no political solution could be achieved. But letting the Ukrainian violence fester is a terrible solution, increasing the long-term risk of confrontation between Russia and the West. It may be tempting for leaders to simply denounce Russian President Vladimir Putin at this weekend's G-20 summit.
