Russia's War Against Ukraine
OP-ED
Stephen Sestanovich: Diplomacy, Putin, and what comes after a ceasefire in Ukraine
Pro-Russian separatists go to the front armed on Feb. 9, 2015 in Uglegorsk, 6 kms southwest of Debaltseve.
Whatever you think about sending arms to Ukraine, the debate has clearly had apositive effect on diplomacy. Throughout January, Angela Merkel, François Hollande, Petro Poroshenko, and Vladimir Putin canceled one meeting after another. Once Washington began to take seriously the prospect of military assistance, however, the leaders of Germany, France, Ukraine, and Russia suddenly discovered that they had reasons to talk. They may even have reached a deal. If so, American ideas will deserve a share of the credit.
