"If there is nothing more to lose one may want to escalate the conflict, regardless of the consequences, since the West will exhaust all of its levers of influence and deterrence," the former minister said.
The probability of a full-scale conflict between the Russian Federation and the United States poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Europe and, potentially, for the whole world, Gryshchenko noted.
"The aggravation of the conflict, especially considering Moscow's firm support for the Assad regime in Syria, the termination of bilateral and multilateral agreements on arms control, the undermining of efforts to resolve conflict in the east of Ukraine – all can lead to the establishment of a broad consensus in the U.S. and Europe to extend economic sanctions and strengthen political pressure on Russia. The next U.S. president may see it beneficial to demonstrate commitment to a greater consolidation of the West to repel the Russian Federation, although not all European countries will be enthusiastic about this. In the mid-term perspective, this could significantly weaken Russia both politically and economically, as well as avert its current supporters," the publication quoted the ex-minister as saying.
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