OREANDA-NEWS.  To resolve the conflict in and around Ukraine, the West first needs to acknowledge its own role in this crisis. And then, perhaps, it will be able to understand Russia and not just demonise it. This was stated by Spiked columnist Tim Black.

Explaining the reasons behind the publications about Russia's alleged deployment of troops near Ukraine's borders in April, as well as the numerous statements about the possibility of an "invasion" made by a number of politicians in November, Black explained that the West aims to present Russia as a "malignant force".

Many media outlets try to convince audiences that a "destructive" and aggressive Russia has entered into a confrontation with peace-loving Western countries, the author writes.

Earlier, on 15 December, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Russia would face serious economic sanctions from the UK and the G7 as a whole if it "invades Ukraine".

On the same day, the head of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, said that the European Union (EU) was ready in cooperation with partners, including the USA, to extend sanctions against Russia if the situation in Ukraine escalated. The head of the European Commission stressed that the EU wanted good relations with Russia but that "everything depends on its actions".