Former US Admiral's 4-point plan to counter Russia

The former US Navy admiral said it was necessary to be firm if Russia overstepped its bounds, but when possible, Washington should seek to cooperate with Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama in New York in September 2015. Photo: AP

There are many reasons and signs that Russia is preparing for new developments, similar to what President Vladimir Putin did in Georgia and Ukraine, while the West is still enjoying its summer vacation starting in early August, so it is not in time to deal with Moscow, according to Time.

James Stavridis, a former US Navy Admiral, cited Russia's anger at the banning of many of its athletes from the 2016 Olympics as one of the reasons.

Russia is also very disappointed with the West because of the sanctions imposed in retaliation for Moscow's annexation of Crimea, as well as increased support for the army of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the main cause of damage to Russia's relations with the US and Europe.

According to Stavridis, the relationship between Russia and the West is at serious risk. And this is the right time to think more carefully and realistically about a unified and strategic approach to Russia.

First, the United States must reassure its NATO allies and strengthen the alliance’s stance on Russia. This means constant coordination with NATO countries, especially Eastern European countries including Poland and the Baltic states, as well as allies along the Black Sea coast.

The United States can do this most effectively through military exercises and operations, including rotating ground troops through bases, deploying warships to the Baltic and Black Seas, and conducting air patrols to deter Russian aircraft from violating NATO airspace.

Second, the US must continue to maintain control of sanctions against Russia, which is the most important factor in influencing Moscow. In addition, the US needs to strongly support German Chancellor Angela Merkel to ensure the European Union (EU) remains united, in the context of her difficult post-Brexit period.

Third, the United States should continue to call on the international community to firmly condemn Russia if it crosses the line under international law. This can be done through international forums.

Fourth and most importantly, at a time when both sides are dissatisfied with each other, the United States needs to continue to expand its channels of communication, which are facing many risks. Given current developments, the prospect of a resumption of the Cold War is an increasingly likely danger, and it is not in the interests of either side.

There are many areas where the US could seek to cooperate with Russia, for example, both Russia and the West want to stabilize Afghanistan, and both sides have made genuine efforts to cooperate on this issue.

In addition, the US and Russia still maintain many active mechanisms to minimize the risk of military confrontation, including "hotlines" between senior military leaders of the two sides. Exchanges through these mechanisms should take place more frequently.

In the past, the two countries have shared intelligence to a reasonable extent to coordinate the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking. Currently, Russia and the United States are also cooperating in the fight against piracy. It is important that Washington and Moscow work to find suitable content to promote bilateral cooperation.

"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. The US will need both to deal with Russia, along with a reasonable plan," said former Admiral Stavridis.

According to VNE