A look at history reveals why Russia feels threatened by the eastward expansion of the European Union and NATO. The war may end with Ukraine becoming a neutral country that serves as a buffer zone for Russia.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been met with sanctions from the West, along with key regional economies in Asia. And Putin’s actions will have major repercussions on Russia’s place in the world, including its previously promising pivot towards Asia.

The crisis in Ukraine grows worse as fighting rages on in what is sure to be one of this decade’s defining episodes. Whatever the outcome is, the result will drastically shift the landscape of the international community.

Talks between Russia and Ukraine regarding a cease-fire are a first step. However, to resolve the deep-rooted differences and bring about long-term peace and stability in Europe and Russia, talks between Russia and NATO countries must follow.

The Russia-Ukraine war was not warranted. Ukrainians despair for peace. Russia needs security. China offers development. But the U.S., NATO and the far-right Ukrainian paramilitaries seek something very different.

Different security concepts held by Russia, Europe and the United States lie at the core of the crisis and won’t be easy to reconcile. As America promotes fear of an imminent invasion, Russia has remained poised, and Europe — which has ceded its security to the U.S. —simply hopes for the best.

The eastward expansion of NATO makes Russia feel vulnerable, and it could react with a fight based on its national DNA. But sovereign states should be guided by one key principle: Never take the first step without considering the last one.

The United States has rejected some Russian proposals, but the door is not closed on dialogue. The U.S. says Russian military accommodation along the Ukrainian border will help foster strategic compromise.

China and Russia may be forced to seek a new systemic equilibrium, with the result being two international camps. This could lead to a new cold war and subject other nations to unpredictable security costs.

During their recent virtual summit, the presidents of China and Russia China had plenty of reason to discuss what to do about their respective external threats. China’s Foreign Ministry said it would rev up coordination between the two in search of a strategic counterbalance.