On the issue of restricting the flow of natural gas from Russia to Germany, the German Social Democrat seems to adopt the Russian argument
A solution for Donbas on the model of the Swiss cantons, development of the grain agreement in a truce, armed neutrality of Ukraine without joining NATO and the operation of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, in order to ensure natural gas sufficiency, the former chancellor proposes, among other things, Gerhard Schroeder, after his last meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. He even expresses understanding for Russian concerns about the country being encircled by the West.
“The good news is that the Kremlin wants a negotiated solution. “Perhaps the grain agreement can develop into a truce,” Mr Schröder said in an interview with Stern magazine and broadcasters RTL and ntv, blaming Germany and France, suggesting they might have to go beyond Ukraine and negotiate a solution with Moscow.
“If you take a look at the real problems, you will see that they can be solved (….) It would, for example, be absurd for Ukraine to militarily recover Crimea”, the former chancellor asserts, while for the Donbas region he admits that the situation is ” more complicated’ and a solution should be found in the model of the Swiss cantons. Regarding Ukraine’s possible NATO membership, Mr. Schroeder notes that even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “has stated that there is an alternative of armed neutrality, without joining the Alliance, as in the case of Austria.”
“The real question should be, do you ultimately want to resolve the conflict or not? Then concessions will have to be made on both sides,” adds Gerhard Schroeder, referring to Moscow’s “real” fears of encircling Russia. “Fears are fueled by history and are sadly justified,” he says.
On the issue of restricting the flow of natural gas from Russia to Germany, the German Social Democrat appears to be adopting the Russian argument: The fact that only 1/5 of the normal amount is currently flowing through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline is due to technical reasons, he points out. “That 1-30 million cubic meters per day could be 60 million if turbine 2 was available. That’s Siemens’ responsibility, if I understand correctly,” he states, explaining that “the simplest solution would be to put operation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline”. The pipeline is ready. “If things get really tough, there’s that pipeline. With the two pipelines in operation, there would be no supply problem for German industry and households,” argues Mr. Schroeder.
The former chancellor also emphasizes that he has repeatedly condemned the war, but believes that a personal distancing of himself from Vladimir Putin “would not really benefit anyone.” He even says characteristically: “I made some decisions and I support them. Maybe I can be useful again. So why should I apologize?’
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