ISTANBUL, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- By steadily arming Ukraine, Western countries are fueling the prolongation of the Ukraine crisis, from which the United States has primarily benefited, said a former Turkish diplomat and foreign policy analyst.
Prolonging the conflict is especially favorable for America who has adopted a different stance from continental Europe, said Gulru Gezer.
The European bloc has been severely impacted by the sanctions imposed on Russia after the outbreak of the conflict, leading to an ongoing energy crisis with gas shortages and high energy prices.
"While continental Europe is facing a huge energy crisis, again, economically, the United States has benefited from the war by selling its LNG to European markets at much higher prices," said Gezer.
The analyst noted that this issue had caused some rift between the European countries and America.
"There are certain voices in Europe and around the world saying that it's important to re-engage with Russia, and I agree with that because, at the end of the day, when the (conflict) ends, there has to be open communication."
Gezer believes that all responsible countries that do not want this crisis to be prolonged should help to keep the channels of dialogue open.
Ankara mediated the launch of the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed between Russia and Ukraine in July 2022 to safely transfer Ukrainian grain, foodstuff, and fertilizer to international markets under the supervision of the United Nations.
"The earlier it starts, the better it would be for inducing both sides to go back to the negotiating table," Gezer said, highlighting the increasing number of soldiers and civilians losing their lives due to conflicts every day. ■
