الكويت: مخاوف من انزلاق العالم نحو سباق تسلح نووي متجدد

Dr. Haila Al-Mekaimi, Head of the Political Science Department at Kuwait University, warned of the danger of the current situation the international system is going through, especially with the increasing talk about the possibility of Ukraine being forced to return to the negotiating table from a position of weakness. She stressed that the world is facing the danger of a “new nuclear arms race” and the possibility of resuming nuclear weapons tests.

Through “Sputnik” radio, Al-Mekaimi stressed the need for the international community to take the initiative to return to diplomatic tracks and start real negotiations to end the Ukrainian crisis, noting that Moscow is following a strategy that combines strength and diplomacy “according to clear goals.” She explained that activating diplomatic channels, whether direct or indirect, and showing seriousness in seeking peace, is in line with the Russian vision for resolving the crisis.

Al-Mekaimi also pointed out that Russia stated at the beginning of the war that its military operation would be limited, but the situation in Ukraine has witnessed major changes since 2014, with the intervention of major powers and the United States in the conflict, indicating that the West believed that sanctions would weaken Russia, but Moscow “was able to resist them.”

Al-Mekaimi stressed the importance of ending the crisis and preventing its aggravation, but she noted that the current indicators do not indicate any positive progress. She stressed that peace is the only way to achieve sustainable goals, but the international community “does not seem to be dealing with it as a strategic option.”

She added: “There is a Russian-Western rivalry and conflict, and attacking Russia is suicide for any politician who thinks about it,” pointing out that the conflict is ongoing and escalating, and that Moscow is sending messages to draw attention to the importance of reaching a solution, by inviting European politicians and resuming diplomatic efforts.

Regarding the recent statement by the US Secretary of State regarding sanctions on Russia, Al-Mekaimi explained that this statement can be interpreted either as a window for dialogue or as a sign of military escalation, noting that the cost to Europe has become very high compared to what Moscow has borne during the conflict.