Surprising statements were made this time at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Political expert Ralph Schöllhammer (Webster University) speaks of the duel of the over-90s: Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and star investor George Soros expressed quite different views on Ukraine. While Soros speaks of Russia’s defeat, otherwise Western civilization is at stake, Kissinger demands concessions from Ukraine, although Kissinger has limited himself to Crimea and Donbass. Accordingly, the status of 2014 would be recognized. As a basis for negotiations, this is not entirely unlikely, says Schöllhammer.
In addition, thinking about country matches must stop, the political scientist demands in an interview with eXXpress editor-in-chief Richard Schmitt. “There will need an outlet for the conflict. But at the moment there is a lot of talk about victory and defeat.” After some had almost hoped for a march by Ukraine to Moscow, it was now time for realism.
But the EU leadership is a long way from that. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is still talking about a victory over Russia. “In politics, it’s better to do more than say a lot,” says Schöllhammer. Besides, the EU is divided. The views of Germany and Poland are diametrically opposed to each other, as polls also show. In truth, there is no underlying strategy on how to end the conflict.
In addition, this exciting 10 to 8 talk also touches on Russia’s formidable potential as a food superpower – see cutting off grain exports to Africa and the Middle East. The increasingly fizzled out sanctions and the confiscation of assets from people with Russian passports, which actually violate fundamental rights, are also addressed.
What is likely to happen next and what should Europe do? Be there at 7.50 p.m. on eXXpressTV!
