Two years ago, Moscow followed the conflict with interest. USA-Germany about the gas pipeline Nord Stream 2 as an exercise in transatlantic power.

Russia has invested heavily in 750 miles of subsea pipeline what binds her to Germany is that she wanted to increase sales and strengthen her presence in Europe, especially in energy-intensive heavy industries. OUR Germany, one of the largest consumers, was initially positive. OUR Washington no.

The United States did not want new deliveries of large capacity submarines to replace the old land lines that crossed the ocean. Ukraineproviding vital income for an increasingly pro-Western leadership in Kyiv.

Russia believed that if Washington blocked Nord Stream 2, which it eventually did, it would become clear that European power no longer comes from Berlin, but actually from the White House.

Two years later, in the post-Merkel period, and especially after the failed Russian invasion of Ukraine, the transatlantic dynamic has become one of the main concerns of the Kremlin.

A rare moment of iron leadership

Chancellor’s refusal Olaf Soltzso that they are “pressed” to send tanks to Ukraine alone, and instead demand that the US President Joe Biden joining him in this adventure – at the risk of provoking Putin’s wrath – shows that the transatlantic dynamic has changed.

Europe has been slow to respond to deep divisions in American politics and the uncertainty that another Trump-style presidency could cause for its allies. Decades of unshakable, if not absolute, trust in the United States have been replaced by one stubborn European pragmatism And Germany is in the lead.

OUR former Chancellor Merkel She was Moral compass of Europe. Scholz unexpectedly found metal in his heavy ruling coalition and managed to win applause in the German Bundestag on Wednesday with a rare moment of iron leadership.

At a summit last March, NATO leaders agreed to arm and train Ukraine to Alliance standards. It will not be a member, but the message to Moscow will be clear: In the coming years, Ukraine will look and fight as if it were in NATO.

Ukraine’s ongoing transformation from a post-Soviet power into a NATO clone includes not only the engineering and even diplomatic means of acquiring tanks, armored personnel carriers, air defenses and artillery, but also the harmonization of the nearly one billion inhabitants of its member states. their politicians. Soltz made this clear to Parliament.

“Trust us,” he said, “we won’t put you in danger.” He explained how his government had already responded to Russian aggression and that fears of a freezing winter and economic collapse had not materialized. “The government is in crisis“, he stressed, adding:We are in a much better position“.

The loud applause of his skillfully composed speech made no less impression than his words. In short, Scholz succeeded in defeating a war-hating crowd deeply divided over whether Germany should help Ukraine kill Russians and potentially anger the Kremlin.

Putin and Escalation

But if in Europe Soltz seems to have gained more influence on the war in Ukraine, then in Moscow they don’t think so.

OUR Andrey Kortunov, director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, says that in the Russian capital, “most people think it’s Biden who makes the decisions.” He notes that instead of Germany having more influence, “American leadership seems stronger than ever.” Nevertheless, Russian diplomats have directed their hostility towards the West on both sides of the Atlantic.

OUR Russian Ambassador to Germany stated that Berlin’s move to send tanks was “extremely dangerous” and accused Scholz of refusing to “acknowledge historical responsibility [της Γερμανίας] our people for the terrible crimes of Nazism.”

At the same time, his colleague Washington blamed the White House for a “flagrant provocation” and Biden for striving for a “strategic defeat” of Russia.

Former President of Russia and Deputy Chairman of the National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, declared that Russia would never allow itself to be defeated and would use nuclear weapons in the event of a threat. Paradoxically, the closer we get to the Kremlin, the less belligerent seem the claims that Putin can moderate nuclear escalation.

Responding to the decision of Biden and Scholz on tanks, Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskovsaid it adds “tension on the continent, but cannot prevent Russia from achieving its goals”.

Berlin and control of the situation

The mixed messages confused some Muscovites after Biden and Scholz’s claims about the tanks. By some estimates, Russia will still win, while the US and Germany will lose. However, a significant number were worried about the war, saddened by the high death toll and disappointed that Putin ignored their concerns.

It’s not clear whether Scholz took into account Putin’s waning popularity or considers it important now, but his actions, including sending tanks, could help loosen Putin’s iron grip on power.

The pragmatist Scholz, belatedly realizing the Russian threat, has now signaled that Germany is now in the game – and really wants to take over the helm. He stressed that Germany would “coordinate” its supplies Leopard 2 from allies in Ukraine.

Soltz headed the diplomatic helm, and the Ukrainian president Vladimir Zelensky may face obstacles in its territorial ambitions, restore all sovereignty of Ukraine, including Crimeabefore any possible peace talks with Putin.

The chancellor is at the forefront of friendly leaders who want him fast end wars and the restoration of economic stability in Europe.

Discussions about Ukraine’s next military action could send a signal to Zelensky that arms deliveries will depend more and more on German parliaments and less and less, unilaterally, on the leadership in Washington.

This shift in power dynamics may not change the way war is fought, but it may shape the final deal and shape a lasting peace when it comes.

Source: CNN