If Ukraine fails to regain its lost territories and the country is denied entry into NATO, it could become “a constant source of new conflicts in Europe,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said at a conference organized by the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper. According to the minister, all countries, including the new US administration, should take this scenario into account.
Pistorius does not believe in the promise of the elected president of the United States donald trump end the Ukrainian conflict in 24 hours. At the same time, he answered affirmatively to the question of whether there is a possibility that Trump will reach an agreement with the Russian president. Vladimir Putincontrary to the interests of Ukraine and Europe.
“Yes, there is a risk and I hope it does not materialize.” – said.
At the same time, the minister ruled out the possibility of a Russian attack on NATO territory shortly after Trump’s inauguration. According to Pistorius, Putin now has “other concerns” and no one knows what policies Trump will pursue.
During the Republican’s first term (January 2017 – January 2021), relations between the United States and Germany were influenced by his demand that other NATO countries increase defense spending, said the head of the German Ministry of Defense. In the summer of 2020, Trump decided to reduce the number of US troops in Germany by half, because the country was “in default on its payments to NATO” and paid only 1% of GDP.
This year, several Western leaders have expressed concern about a possible NATO conflict with Russia, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Putin has repeatedly said that Russia is not seeking to start a war with the alliance: “Russia has no reason, no interest: no geopolitical, no economic, no political, no military interest, to fight with NATO countries.” According to Putin, getting involved in a “global war” is not common sense, as it will bring humanity to the brink of destruction.
At the same time, Putin claimed that NATO was “fighting Russia with the hands of Ukrainian soldiers” and called the alliance’s actions the reason for the outbreak of the conflict between Moscow and kyiv. Russia opposes Ukraine’s accession to NATO; Putin called kyiv’s refusal to join the bloc one of the conditions for a peaceful agreement.
On November 10, The Washington Post, citing sources, reported that Trump held talks with Putin, the Republican advised the Russian president “not to escalate” the conflict and “privately” made clear that he would support a peace deal in which Russia would retain territorial control of those who had remained under their control. Putin’s press secretary. Dmitri Peskov He described the data on the conversation as “pure fiction,” RBC recalls.
