The Åland model emerged – Is this the solution to the war in Ukraine? – 2024-03-05 14:04:36

The Kerch Strait bridge, built by Russia, was officially opened in 2019. The bridge connects the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula with Russia. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS

When Crimea was occupied ten years ago, I saw similarities with Åland.

This is what journalist Malcolm Dixelius writes in Aftonbladet, who thinks that the Åland model would be a solution to the war in Ukraine.

In practice, the future painted by Dixelius would mean that Crimea would be an independent, demilitarized region as part of Ukraine. Demilitarization means that no military presence is allowed in the area.

“When peace is made”

Dixelius sees numerous similarities in the history of Åland and Crimea. In his text, he returns to the 1850s, when Russia attacked the Ottoman Empire.

France and Britain wanted to prevent Russia’s expansionist efforts. The countries destroyed the Bomarsund fortress in Åland, which was built by Russia.

– Both Crimea and Åland will remain part of the Russian Empire when peace is concluded, but now demilitarized, Dixelius writes.

Solomon’s solution

According to the Swedish journalist, participation in the same conflict 170 years ago is not the only thing that unites the regions.

He describes that the people of Åland were worried after Finland broke away from Russia in 1917.

– Can the Swedish-speaking archipelago trust the new, small country of Finland? The majority would rather trust Sweden. But Russia’s revolutionary leadership puts an end to it, Dixelius writes.

– After international negotiations, a Solomonic solution will be found: Åland will remain within the borders of Finland as an independent province with its own parliament, administration and flag.

“Salomonian solution” refers to Biblical to a story about two mothers who argued about the child’s motherhood. When Salomon suggests cutting the child in half as a solution, the real mother gives up her claim to save the child’s life. The little one is given to its mother.

Russia seized on suspicion

Dixelius writes that Crimea was the only part of Ukraine that did not vote by a landslide to become part of Ukraine in 1991.

– The Crimeans had previously voted for their own independent republic and were skeptical that Crimea would become part of Ukraine, Dixelius writes.

According to the reporter, Russia seized the opportunity and exploited the suspicion in the region. Dixelius writes that Russia prepared its invasion by, among other things, handing out Russian passports to those willing.

Dixelius believes that the annexation of Crimea would be a trump card for Ukraine at the negotiating table.