There is unrest in Europe. Relations between Berlin and Paris are worse than they have been in a long time. And now the Czech Republic and Slovakia are also at loggerheads. The reason: Russia. The differences are too great when it comes to the war in Ukraine and what signal they want to send to Moscow. And the people in the Kremlin are laughing their heads off about it. Because it is precisely this discord that they want to sow between the Allies.
But first and foremost: France’s Emmanuel Macron wants to show strength against Russia and recently discussed the deployment of Western ground troops in Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to be the ‘peace chancellor’ – also in view of the elections in the eastern states and the fear of an election victory for the pro-Russian, right-wing extremist AfD. He categorically rules out ground troops and the supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Kiev.
Both understandable points of view. However, the signal sent to Moscow is devastating. Namely that Europe is responding in a leaderless and chaotic manner. The military and political capabilities of NATO – and of Europe – depend on the extent to which its members appear outwardly united and not contradictory. Scholz, explains expert Christian Mölling of the German Foreign Policy Association, has drawn red lines by categorically ruling out the deployment of ground troops. But not just for Germany, but for all allies. Rather than expanding the possibilities for action against Russian President Vladimir Putin by simply ruling nothing out, Scholz limited them. Because the German Chancellor’s red lines do not apply to Putin.
Since Thursday there has also been a diplomatic ice age between Prague and Bratislava. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that he would cancel planned government consultations with the Slovak cabinet of Russia-friendly Prime Minister Robert Fico. This is a response to the Slovak government’s conciliatory rhetoric towards Russia.
“We consider some of their activities to be problematic,” Fiala said, explaining the move. Holding the usual meetings is “not appropriate” at this time. The most important reason was probably the meeting between Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Antalya, Turkey on Saturday. However, this does not mean a break in relationships. The meeting between the two defense ministers scheduled for next week will take place as planned. The meetings of the so-called Slavkov Group, which includes Austria in addition to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, or the “C5 format” together with Austria, Hungary and Slovenia, will also continue to take place. But behind closed doors, people in Prague say: “You can’t talk to Fico anymore.”
So there are rumors among Europe’s allies. Putin sees an opportunity to attack NATO and Europe not militarily but politically. And he coolly exploits the discord among the Allies for his propaganda purposes.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
