Condoleezza Rice Discusses Putin and the Need for Peace in Ukraine

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State, addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine during a lecture at Brown University on Wednesday. She emphasized Vladimir Putin‘s desire to restore the Russian Empire over any inclination to recreate the Soviet Union.

Rice recounted a past conversation with Putin, who suggested that Russia has only been great under rulers like Peter the Great and Alexander II. “The only person who matters in the decision to end this war is Putin,” Rice said. She indicated that he does not want the conflict to end because he believes he can dominate Ukraine, which he does not recognize as a legitimate country.

Despite the ongoing struggle, Rice noted that many Russians realize the war must conclude. The conflict, now in its fourth year, has resulted in heavy casualties and significant damage to Russia’s oil and gas infrastructure, which is vital to Putin’s power and wealth.

2023 is likely to bring a ceasefire rather than a formal peace treaty, Rice predicted. “We have to find a way to make Vladimir Putin understand that this war needs to end,” she stated.

Rice spoke as part of the Stephen A. Ogden Jr. Memorial Lecture on International Affairs. Her visit to Brown followed that of another Secretary of State, marking a rare occurrence for the university.

In her discussion with Brown University President Christina Paxson, Rice elaborated on various subjects, including the Iraq War and diplomatic lessons learned from her time in office. Reflecting on Iraq, she expressed a desire for improved understanding of the regional dynamics before the war commenced.

As for Afghanistan, she expressed regret over the recent regression of women’s rights and opportunities following the Taliban’s return to power. “I hope we won’t forget and that having left, we will still put pressure on the Taliban,” she said.

Currently, Rice is involved with an artificial intelligence company and stressed the importance of the US leading the way in AI technology. “It’s going to change everything that we are and everything that we do,” she warned, urging that the US must advance in this crucial area before potentially facing challenges from China.