Trump strategic – Granular about the US: weaken Putin with help from Ukraine

He explains why this continues to mean support for Ukraine: “In general, the Republicans – and Donald Trump is a Republican – have always had the strategy of keeping Russia small, so that the US becomes very important in the world. And automatically, of course, part of that strategy is to grow and support those who are fighting the Russians.”

Even as Trump hints at rapprochement with Russia, the basic Republican attitude remains unchanged: “The Republican Party is more than Donald Trump. There are significant forces there that continue to pursue this Russia policy.”

‘Realpolitik only becomes visible after taking office’
For Granig, it remains to be seen how realistic Trump’s plan actually is: “This definition of 24 hours will only be seen in terms of real politics once he is actually in power.” new Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Since the start of the war, almost three years ago, a paradoxical situation has arisen: “There are two main war goals for the Americans. On the one hand, Ukraine absolutely needs to win this war, but on the other hand, they don’t want Russia to lose the war. Because if Russia loses, it will lead to great instability in the world.” “I hope that the new American administration will do something positive for Ukraine, but also that the European Union will finally wake up and find a strategy that creates a strong Europe .” and supported a poor Ukraine against the aggressor.”

The question of whether Ukraine can become a member of NATO also remains open. “This is a hypothetical discussion,” Granig says. If a peace solution is reached and Ukraine is restored to its original borders, it could lead to a discussion about joining NATO. But Granig reminds us that this move comes with high financial costs. “Joining NATO is also expensive. “It takes something to arm yourself and then be a part of it,” Granig says. Even in the event of an attack, NATO members would have to provide assistance, which is a huge burden for a country like Ukraine.

Despite the existing differences of opinion within the EU, Granig is convinced of the idea of ​​the union. “The European Union is something very big because it is a democratic alliance of states,” said the former CEO of Siemens. But he said the disagreement over Ukraine policy could endanger the Union’s credibility. He is particularly critical of the attitude of countries such as Hungary, which have repeatedly opposed a hard line on the Ukraine issue.

Possible peace solutions
Would Ukraine be willing to accept a solution in which Russia retains territorial gains? “I can’t see behind the scenes,” said Granig, president of Ukraine Aid Austria. “There is a widespread opinion in Ukraine that everything must be done to end the war.

It is more likely that people will consider the possibility of granting independence or introducing partial autonomy in some areas. But I do not believe that these areas will simply be integrated into Russia,” Granig said. Ukraine’s political realities and the issue of national identity stand in the way of such a solution.

“That would not only call into question the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but also the face of the Ukrainian side, which would be a significant setback politically and symbolically,” Granig stressed. Such a step is hardly acceptable for Ukraine, as well as for its allies, because it would ignore the principles of sovereignty and self-determination.

Watch the entire interview in the video above!