Twenty years have passed since we first met. Various events have taken place since then. Our states have been close friends, combined forces against common enemies, disagreed on small issues, reached mutual understanding, and avoided much-needed compromises. But what we did is negotiated at all times, no matter how difficult it was from time to time.

I can clearly remember how hard it was to reach a compromise on the Black Sea Fleet, and appreciate your major effort in that process. That negotiation resulted in signing the so-called Big Agreement between our two countries, which has served as basis for our bilateral relations until very recently.

Some of the conversations we have had over years were naïve views about big-league politics, many went against the common views. However, each time we agreed that lean peace is better than a fat victory, and swearing the rudest words is better than firing the softest bullets.

We are the patriots who have taken responsibility for the future of our countries many times.
We are patriots who have taken responsibility for the future of countries plenty of times. Nobody can say of running away in the face of danger, and we have always tried to reach mutual understanding. The key thing was striving for it.

Today, Russia and Ukraine are balancing on the edge of tragedy. Administrative buildings and important infrastructure facilities in Crimea have been occupied. Russian troops have invaded the Ukrainian territory, and the Russian Federation Council has approved this open violation of international law. Mass media are going mad. And the worst thing is that statesmen start believing in their own propaganda.

Tension is rising. The situation is developing extremely fast. The things we were terrified to imagine yesterday are happening today. For the first time since our independence, blood and violence have entered our politics. It’s terrible, because this is a tragedy that affects not only Ukraine, but the whole Southern and Eastern Europe.

If my country goes up in flames, the heat will reach Caucasus, Transdniestria, sparks may fly as far as the Balkans. You have the best knowledge of the most terrifying scenarios that may take place. I can clearly remember negotiations on the Transdniestria in 2000-2002 when we almost found the solution.

Unfortunately, today we are not talking about old conflicts. Vast instability, ranging from the Balkans to Central Asia and Pakistan, may become an awful reality. Nobody knows how to put out this fire.

Absence of a dialogue is dangerous in this situation. Thousands of excuses can be thought up to avoid negotiations. Instead of exchanging arguments, hysterical people go wild. Yes, it’s true that negotiations are extremely difficult. Words need to and have to be followed by actions.

But houses can be rebuilt, new tiles can be laid on the ground, and people can return to their peaceful life. Where there’s a will, there is a way. The main thing is that solution of the current conflict needs to be based on patient listening to the other party and attention to its words. It’s the ability to listen that shapes the ability to take decisions in mutual interest. But there hasn’t been much listening.

Many Russian people who claim to be experts on Ukraine have no idea what type of a country it is. They have a set of beliefs and they convince others of them. They only read the press that supports their opinion. They are arrogant and, actually, foolish. But things would be much simpler if their crazy conclusions did not serve as basis for decision-making at the state level.

The current crisis is the crisis of trust and mutual understanding.

Dear Mr. Primakov,
Our countries have a wealth of experience in resolving the toughest of conflicts. Our states have all the levers for a successful resolution. I am sure we are all capable of joining efforts to stop the growing insanity and save lives and health of our citizens.

Yes, it takes courage to go against the flow and stand on your point. But even when everyone disagrees, the common denominator for all is the principles initially formulated in the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in 1975. This document may and should become a basis for reaching mutually acceptable solutions. Ukraine complied and will comply with the rules of international law and wants the same attitude from other countries, first of all, Russia.

As elderly statesmen of our nations’ strategic communities, our mission is to find the most effective way to reach the goal when the resources are limited. Today, it means to reach a peaceful compromise.
Let’s not hide behind the fig leaves of the past. Today is happening right now and here. It’s our sacred duty to accept past challenges and find a solution now that we won’t be ashamed of for the rest of our lives.

Looking forward to your understanding and reply.

Yours sincerely,
Academician Volodymyr Horbulin