Letters | Ukraine war: Germany must not allow the EU to be dragged in
- Germany could play a crucial role as mediator between Ukraine, Russia and the US
Otto von Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor who united Germany 150 years ago, left behind a famous quote: “The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia.” However, it has been repeatedly ignored or forgotten. Kaiser Wilhelm II ignored it and Germany was defeated in the first world war. Hitler dug his own grave with the battle of Stalingrad. The new German chancellor apparently has never heard about it.
The Ukraine war can be settled with Germany acting as an impartial mediator. The conspicuous absence of a shrewd political leader after Angela Merkel is therefore unfortunate.
European countries should realise that the solution to conflict lies in a crystal clear understanding of national interests via rational Realpolitik.
The solution is simple. Ukraine must be neutral and German-Russian energy cooperation will continue. A wise Germany would send a clear message to Volodymyr Zelensky that he is unable to drag Europe into a third world war, a clear message to Nato that the EU will not foot the bill for its reckless expansion into the East, and a clear message to Eastern Europe that if they are trying to escalate the regional conflict, they will pay the ultimate price of being ousted from the EU.
A free and neutral Ukraine could become a savvy cryptocurrency financial hub. It could draw in multilingual private banking talent able to speak English, Russian and German to hedge gold, oil and gas for their billionaire clients and provide ways to circumvent the various economic sanctions or global taxes for the super nouveau riche in the East. In time, even seasoned Swiss bankers might call Ukraine a home away from home.