Key Moments
Russian Ambassador to UK, Andrey Kelin | Full Address and Q&A | Oxford Union
Oxford UnionKey Moments
Russia's ambassador to the UK claims sanctions have strengthened Russia's economy, but hurt normal relations with other countries, suggesting they should be removed.
Key Insights
The foundation of European security was established by Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt after WWII, aiming for a system without dividing lines.
Russia sought close institutional ties with the EU and NATO in the early 1990s, including joint crisis management and visa-free travel, but these initiatives ultimately failed.
The 'new policy' of containment towards Russia began around 2000-2003, marked by the EU's Eastern Partnership excluding Russia and NATO's eastward enlargement.
Russia claims that sanctions imposed on it have inadvertently strengthened its economy by fostering self-reliance in trade and production.
Ambassador Kelin asserts that accusations of Russian interference in Western elections are baseless, suggesting they are used by losing political parties to save face.
Russia's primary objective in Syria is to combat terrorist organizations like ISIS and Nusra Front, aiming to stabilize the country and prevent the spread of terrorism.
The post-WWII European security architecture and early post-Cold War optimism
Ambassador Andrey Kelin begins by reflecting on the 75th anniversary of the common victory over Nazism, highlighting the security system established by Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt. He recalls the early 1990s as a period of idealism where many believed wars were over and a united Europe without dividing lines was achievable. During this time, Russia made significant efforts to dismantle these divisions, including troop withdrawals from Eastern Europe, elimination of medium-range missiles, and establishing cooperative projects with the European Union and NATO. Russia was particularly close to institutionalizing relationships with the EU, nearing agreements on joint crisis management and visa-free travel, and with NATO, initially seeking participation rather than membership. These efforts aimed to erase dividing lines and foster a collaborative European architecture.
The shift towards containment and NATO enlargement
Around 2000-2003, Ambassador Kelin notes a shift in Western policy from collaboration to containment of Russia. He suggests that some Western capitals, particularly Washington, perceived Russia's rapid development and growing influence as a threat. This led to policies like the EU's 'Eastern Partnership,' which deliberately excluded Russia and focused on former Soviet republics. The most detrimental factor, according to Kelin, was the 'overnight enlargement' of NATO, especially the decision at the Bucharest summit in 2005 to consider Ukraine and Georgia for membership. He argues this created a new dividing line close to Russia's borders and fueled aspirations in Kyiv to distance themselves from Russia, ultimately contributing to the current crisis in Ukraine. Kelin admits that Russia may have made mistakes by not reacting more strongly to earlier rounds of NATO enlargement.
The impact and effectiveness of sanctions
Ambassador Kelin addresses the sanctions imposed on Russia, stating that they have not led to a change in Russia's political course. Instead, he claims they have strengthened Russia's economy by fostering self-reliance, independence in trade and agriculture, and developing its ruble's international value. He cites articles from the Financial Times suggesting experts agree on these benefits. However, he also contends that sanctions damage normal relations with other countries and hopes for their removal. Kelin believes that a new leadership in the EU and the UK might lead to brighter days and a re-evaluation of such policies, suggesting that Russia cannot be blamed for all Western problems.
Improving Russia-UK relations and common challenges
Upon his appointment as Ambassador to the UK, Kelin's priority was to re-establish normal functioning of the embassies, which had been strained by diplomatic expulsions. He also aims to redefine the modalities of the Russia-UK relationship post-Brexit, working with UK ministries to identify which agreements should be maintained or abolished. He acknowledges that despite political challenges, humanitarian, cultural, and educational exchanges, such as concerts and student exchanges, are proceeding well. Kelin emphasizes the need to stop anti-Russian rhetoric and focus on common challenges like terrorism, citing Russia's successful campaign against ISIL in Syria as an example of effective cooperation when approached collaboratively. He points to French President Macron's willingness to engage in dialogue about a new European architecture as a positive sign.
Russia's role in global cooperation and the 'rules-based order'
Kelin describes the world as becoming less predictable and highlights the challenge of the 'rules-based order,' which he sees as dividing the world into rule-makers and rule-obeyers. He advocates for returning to the basics of international law as the foundation for international relationships, promoting true multilateralism. He notes that conflicts involving many countries are becoming less acute due to the absence of ideological and territorial disputes, but the way nations coexist remains crucial. Kelin references President Putin's initiative for a summit of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council to stabilize the world and international politics. He shares his personal motivation for diplomacy, stemming from his parents' careers, and expresses hope that serious leaders will establish new basics for the current global order, similar to how Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt laid foundations post-WWII.
Addressing accusations of election interference and cyberattacks
Ambassador Kelin strongly denies accusations of Russian interference in Western elections, including those in the UK and US, as well as in Germany, Spain, and Catalonia. He dismisses these claims as 'nonsense,' suggesting they are used by politicians who lose elections to explain away their defeats and save face. He also comments on cyberattacks, stating that attribution is difficult and that Russia itself faces numerous cyberattacks without making a fuss. While acknowledging that some private enterprises might engage in minor influence campaigns, he finds it implausible that Russia's embassy staff, comprising about 40 diplomats and 10 journalists, could influence the UK electorate. He questions the belief in such influence, noting that Russia has centuries-long ties with the UK, including at the royal family level, which he considers stronger than political episodes.
Russia's engagement in Africa and its strategic interests
Kelin discusses Russia's growing engagement in Africa, highlighting the numerous African students studying in Russia and recent Russia-Africa summits. He explains that, like China and the UK, Russia is seeking business opportunities and has a history of building large industrial projects in Africa, dating back to the USSR era. Despite having fewer resources than China for investment, Russia is actively seeking to cooperate in various fields, including development, education, and health. He warns that if Africa is not helped to develop, it could lead to significant immigration problems globally. This engagement is seen as a pragmatic approach to foster stability and mutual benefit, building on past relationships and current potential.
The complex relationship with Turkey and ongoing cooperation
Addressing the situation in Syria, Kelin acknowledges the recent tensions between Turkish and Syrian forces, but emphasizes that Russia and Turkey have many common interests, despite historical conflicts and differing stances. Both countries share the goal of fighting terrorists in Syria and maintaining its stability. They also collaborate on energy projects, economic ties (Turkey being a major supplier of goods and a builder in Russia), and have common interests, particularly as Turkey has faced rejection from the EU. Kelin mentions Russia's sale of weapons to Turkey as a matter of demand and supply, despite NATO discipline. He views the future relationship with Turkey as pragmatic, recognizing that while some areas are unbalanced, there are substantial common grounds for cooperation.
Domestic policies and international sports credibility
Kelin clarifies a law requiring pre-installed apps on technical devices, explaining it as a measure to prevent foreign intelligence agencies from accessing Russian data, citing the example of Chancellor Merkel's phone calls being monitored by Washington. He denies it's a step towards a surveillance state, emphasizing the need to protect sensitive traffic. Regarding international sports credibility, he acknowledges the problem of doping and the need to fight it, but also calls for clearer understanding of what is forbidden. He suggests that Russia lacked specialists in sports law to defend athletes adequately and is working to develop this expertise for clean sport and fair representation in international competitions.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Companies
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●Books
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●People Referenced
Common Questions
Russia believes that the current European security architecture is flawed and that a new one is needed. They point to the 1990s as a missed opportunity to erase dividing lines and build a truly inclusive system, criticizing NATO enlargement as a detrimental policy.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
Discussed in the context of its enlargement being a detrimental factor leading to current crises and its historical opposition to Russian military forces.
Mentioned as a European security organization with great potential, uniting 57 countries.
The affiliation of a student asking a question about UK-Russia relations.
Located in Strasbourg, dealing with the humanitarian and legal aspects of European legislation.
Banned Russia from competing in the 2020 Olympics, prompting questions about Russia's efforts to regain credibility.
Discussed as an institution with which Russia established liaison and developed projects in the early 90s, and later as part of an Eastern Partnership that excluded Russia.
Referred to as a terrorist organization that Russia is fighting in Syria, having lost significant territory.
Mentioned as having been resourceful and capable of spending money on huge industrial projects in Africa during the 1960s.
Mentioned as an associate organization of terrorists that Syria has been under attack from.
Mentioned as the Russian president who did not object seriously enough to NATO enlargement.
The Russian Ambassador to the UK, discussing European security, Russia's foreign policy, and bilateral relations.
Mentioned as one of the founding fathers of the post-WWII security system in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Mentioned as having announced readiness to start a new dialogue with Russia about a new European architecture.
Initiated the idea of heads of states of Security Council members meeting to stabilize the world.
Her telephone conversations were reportedly listened to by Washington authorities, used as an example of why Russia wants its own providers.
Mentioned alongside Stalin and Churchill as a founding father of the post-WWII security system.
Mentioned in relation to an agreement with Turkey on how to deal with the situation in Idlib.
Mentioned as a public relations fiasco that predecessors as ambassador had to deal with.
Mentioned as one of the founding fathers of the post-WWII security system and for his thoughts on security architecture.
Mentioned as a country where Russia has built huge industries.
Mentioned as a country with fewer problems and more understanding towards Russia compared to the UK.
Mentioned as a country where Russia has built huge industries.
Mentioned as a capital where some believe Russia developed too quickly and started a policy of containment.
A province in Syria where terrorists are concentrated, posing a problem for Russia and Syrian forces.
Russia will not leave Crimea, stating it would be against the will of its 2 million inhabitants.
Mentioned as a country that aspired to join the EU and NATO quickly, contributing to the current crisis.
Mentioned as a country with fewer problems and more understanding towards Russia compared to the UK.
Mentioned as a country where Russia has built huge industries.
Mentioned as the location of attacks that predecessors as ambassador had to deal with.
Mentioned as a country with fewer problems and more understanding towards Russia compared to the UK.
Mentioned as a country where Russia has built huge industries.
The capital of Ukraine, where aspirations were high among Ukrainians to leave Russia quickly.
Discussed as a location where Russia is fighting terrorism, with success in reclaiming territory from ISIL.
Discussed in relation to its involvement in Syria, its cooperation with Russia, and its own relationship with the European Union.
Mentioned as a country that aspired to join the EU and NATO quickly, contributing to the current crisis.
Mentioned as the location of a recent terrorist attack, highlighting the need for joint efforts against terrorism.
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