Only Ukraine's neutrality can ensure the security of Russia and Europe - expert

Jeffrey Sachs stressed that peace is only possible when the idea of NATO expansion is abandoned

Rome, October 16. /TASS/. Professor Jeffrey Sachs, an American economist and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University (New York), said that Ukraine's neutrality and non-expansion of NATO may be the only guarantee of security for Ukraine, Russia and Europe, and it is time for the European Union to understand this.

"I say let's sit down with Russia to discuss comprehensive European security. That's what is needed. This whole war happened because of NATO expansion. It's time for NATO expansion to stop and we go back to the concept of comprehensive security. Ukraine will be neutral. Russia, Ukraine, Europe will be safe. No war. And the Agriculture Organization (FAO) hosting a general meeting on World Food Day.

He stressed that peace is possible only when the idea of NATO expansion is abandoned. He said: "And based on that we can have security because that was the promise in 1990. This is a promise that America and Europe unfortunately broke. This is the basis for returning to peace."

On the issue of who could represent Europe in possible negotiations, Sachs noted: "I would say the main thing is not who. The main point is the concept." He stressed: "End wars, stop militarization and pervasive security. Peace means everyone wins with shared security. That's what we need, peace."

Sacks stressed at the plenary session that rearmament is not what Europe needs, because it cannot bring peace. He stated that all wars can be ended through diplomacy and dialogue.