with 73% believing politicians exploit historical disputes for gain.
Considering that Putin asked to join forces with the EU in 2001 in a speech in the German parliament, doesn’t the entire conflict come down to politicians not overcoming historical disputes? If chancellor Kohl hadn’t objected a closer cooperation, would we have this war?
Not saying that I am in my right mind but that’s not my argument. In 2001, the opportunities were still there, as the speech shows but with the Nato expansion the West had already decided against it and Kohl’s notes show that he was one of those who argued against Russia while publicly signaling a joined future. Unfortunately I have never read what his motivations were.
Btw, it’s possible to argue that Schröder’s early engagement in Yugoslavia was anti Russian.
Is that the same speech where he said «I can say with absolute confidence that the key goal of Russia’s domestic policy is first and foremost to ensure democratic rights and freedoms […] for the people of the country.»?
I am inclined to believe him. It was his goal, but he knew about the US influence, and knew that Russia at first needed the institutions to withstand that influence.
The audience must have known about the bombing of the appartment buildings and that Putin was not a full democrat and Putin must have been aware of that.
Altogether that makes his offer still questionable.
Considering that Putin asked to join forces with the EU in 2001 in a speech in the German parliament, doesn’t the entire conflict come down to politicians not overcoming historical disputes? If chancellor Kohl hadn’t objected a closer cooperation, would we have this war?
In 2001 the chancellor of Germany was Gerhard Schröder and not Kohl. Nobody in their right mind would argue that Schröder is anti Russian.
Not saying that I am in my right mind but that’s not my argument. In 2001, the opportunities were still there, as the speech shows but with the Nato expansion the West had already decided against it and Kohl’s notes show that he was one of those who argued against Russia while publicly signaling a joined future. Unfortunately I have never read what his motivations were.
Btw, it’s possible to argue that Schröder’s early engagement in Yugoslavia was anti Russian.
Is that the same speech where he said «I can say with absolute confidence that the key goal of Russia’s domestic policy is first and foremost to ensure democratic rights and freedoms […] for the people of the country.»?
en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/21340
That’s a good argument.
I am inclined to believe him. It was his goal, but he knew about the US influence, and knew that Russia at first needed the institutions to withstand that influence.
The audience must have known about the bombing of the appartment buildings and that Putin was not a full democrat and Putin must have been aware of that.
Altogether that makes his offer still questionable.
Germany bad
I can imagine that others have also objected, but that’s beyond my knowledge. Maybe somebody can add further references.