Ian Proud, a former economic counsellor at the British Embassy in Moscow, criticizes the UK's diplomatic strategies with Russia in his memoir. He highlights the failures in engaging effectively with Russia, especially during critical moments like the Minsk agreements and the onset of the Ukraine crisis. Proud advocates for more meaningful dialogue and engagement rather than isolation and sanctions.
Ian Proud's recent memoir, 'A Misfit in Moscow', sheds light on the often contentious and complex nature of UK-Russia relations. Serving as the economic counsellor at the British Embassy in Moscow from 2014 to 2019, Proud offers a unique insider's perspective on the diplomatic missteps and the overarching strategy of the UK towards Russia, particularly during pivotal events such as the Ukraine crisis and the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
Ian Proud criticizes the UK's approach to diplomacy with Russia, describing it as a series of missteps that have only worsened relations. He argues that the UK's strategy of isolating and penalizing Russia through sanctions and 'megaphone diplomacy' was counterproductive. Proud emphasizes the importance of engagement and dialogue, pointing out that other Western nations like France and Germany continued to seek constructive relations during his tenure in Moscow.
Proud provides a critical analysis of the UK's role, or lack thereof, in the Minsk agreements, which were intended to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russia separatists in Donbass. He suggests that the UK's exclusion from the negotiation process and its subsequent actions contributed to the failure of these agreements. Proud's insights reveal how the UK's policies not only failed to promote peace but also inadvertently prolonged the conflict by encouraging Ukraine to stymie the agreement to maintain Western sanctions against Russia.
During his tenure, Proud was responsible for assessing the impact of Western sanctions on Russia. He warned that the sanctions were bolstering Russian nationalism and self-sufficiency, rather than weakening the Russian economy. Proud critiques his colleagues for ignoring these insights, which he believes could have led to a more nuanced and effective economic strategy towards Russia. This section of his memoir underscores the unintended consequences of sanctions and the importance of understanding the economic landscapes of foreign nations.
Ian Proud's memoir serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of international diplomacy and the consequences of diplomatic isolation. By advocating for engagement over alienation, Proud highlights a path forward that could potentially lead to more stable and constructive international relations. His critique of the UK's approach to Russia offers valuable lessons on the importance of diplomacy and the risks associated with punitive measures.
"You can't be friends with everyone, but real diplomacy involves talking to those you disagree with the most." - Ian Proud