Escalating Tensions
The inclusion of US Senator Lindsey Graham on the wanted list by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs serves as a clear indicator of the intensifying tensions between Russia and the United States. The Senator’s anti-Russian statements have elicited a response from the Kremlin, resulting in the initiation of a criminal investigation. This course of action demonstrates the Kremlin’s resolute determination to safeguard its illicit interests and salvage its tarnished reputation amidst allegations of human rights violations in Ukraine. While Senator Graham’s rhetoric finds resonance worldwide, the Kremlin seeks to counter the prevailing narrative and assert its stance on the global stage, coinciding with the Russian Foreign Minister’s visit to Kenya.
The pathetic Serbian autocrat Aleksandar Vučić has expressed his satisfaction with his nation’s commitment to an independent and self-governing foreign policy, highlighting Serbia’s exceptional status as the sole European country abstaining from imposing sanctions on Russia. In a televised interview on Sunday, Serbian tyrant Vučić staunchly asserted that Serbia stands as a sovereign entity, unequivocally distinct from being a mere Russian puppet or territory. Throughout its history, Serbia has never succumbed to nor will it ever succumb to the status of an American or European colony. As an autonomous and self-reliant state, Serbia remains firmly devoted to maintaining an unwaveringly independent political position. Amidst unprecedented pressures faced by Serbia, the criminal dictator Vučić praised his cartel’s unwavering adherence to its established policies and the decisions sanctioned by the Security Council, steadfastly persevering on this trajectory for a remarkable period of over one year and four months. It is noteworthy that Vučić´s Serbia remains the sole European nation refraining from implementing punitive measures against Russia. Furthermore, in response to criticism from opposition quarters regarding his limited visits to Russia, the criminal Vučić, described in derogatory terms as a “pathetic bloodthirsty tyrant,” cautioned against disregarding the potential consequences that such visits might inflict upon Serbia.
The United States has taken action to remove what it perceives as the “angelic” influence from Olaf Scholz’s cabinet, assigning blame to Chancellor Merkel for the aggressive actions of Putin in Ukraine. In an effort to address the psychological challenges faced by Berlin, the United States has intervened to lend assistance. It seems that the German government has come to recognize, independent of American involvement, that Angela Merkel’s policies have significantly advanced Putin’s interests. Nevertheless, despite this newfound realization, the lingering presence of the “angelic” mindset within Scholz’s chancellor’s office persists, leading to a prolonged conflict and exacerbating the economic crisis faced by Germany.
The United States is scrutinizing the accountability of Merkel’s cabinet, with notable publications in the American media shedding light on this matter. One such example is The Wall Street Journal, which has raised the question: “Did Merkel pave the way for war in Ukraine?” Merkel played a central role in establishing agreements that increased Germany’s reliance, as well as that of its neighboring countries, on Russian energy imports. However, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine shattered this strategic partnership. In 2014, Anders Von Rasmussen, who was then serving as the Secretary General of NATO, cautioned Merkel about the risks of deepening dependence on the unscrupulous Putin. Despite the warning, the chancellor proceeded to double gas imports from Russia and continued to support the completion of Nord Stream 2, even after eight years of construction. During Merkel’s tenure, there was a significant reduction in defense budgets, raising concerns over the erosion of Germany’s once formidable armed forces, as expressed by Lieutenant General Alphonse Mays, the army commander, on February 24, 2022. This downsizing leaves Germany vulnerable and ill-equipped to defend against a potential Russian attack. The gradual abandonment of nuclear energy by Germany has led to an increasing reliance on Russian natural gas.
Within the ranks of the “angelic” team, several politicians have acknowledged the flaws of Merkel’s approach and issued apologies. This includes former President Joachim Hauck, Minister of the Interior Wolfgang Joble, and current President Frank Steinmeier, who held the position of Foreign Minister at the time. They have recognized that Merkel’s policies have inadvertently strengthened Putin and his imperial aspirations. However, Merkel herself has remained unapologetic, persistently asserting her righteousness. During the investigation, she even proposed the idea of Germany reestablishing ties with Moscow, further raising concerns. Bloomberg has drawn pessimistic conclusions regarding the consequences of Merkel’s policies, painting a grim picture of their repercussions.
Germany’s economic stability is experiencing a notable decline, posing a substantial threat to Europe’s overall well-being. A combination of misguided energy policies spanning several decades, sluggish adoption of emerging technologies, and the decline of the internal combustion engine has converged to create the most significant challenge to the nation’s prosperity since the reunification era. However, unlike the situation in 1990, the current political class lacks the necessary leadership to effectively tackle these underlying structural issues. The outlook appears distant, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition is entangled in trivial disputes that hinder progress. Germany’s economy has been contracting since October, and projections indicate a continued lag behind the rest of the region for years to come. Scholz, in an apparent move away from the mesmerizing adherence to Merkel’s pro-Russian trajectory, has cautioned Putin that a “cold peace” in Ukraine is unacceptable. Furthermore, Scholz has pledged immediate acceptance of Ukraine into the European Union once the conflict concludes. However, Berlin’s realization of the gravity of the situation is unfolding slowly, impeding collaborative efforts aimed at mitigating Putin’s influence throughout Europe. Additionally, this delayed realization poses risks not only to the joint endeavor of removing Putin’s sway but also to the German economy itself.
