Putin's long-term outlook appears bleak, according to Heusgen
In an interview with German magazine "Stern", Christoph Heusgen, former foreign and security policy adviser to former Chancellor Angela Merkel, has expressed concerns about potential territorial concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Heusgen, who has had frequent meetings with Putin during his tenure, describes the Kremlin leader as a man who can be very cutting, yet never rowdy. Putin, according to Heusgen, doesn't speak loudly, but can express great impertinences in a soft voice.
Heusgen disputes the assessment that Putin is in a position of strength, stating that militarily, Putin is strong but long-term, it doesn't look good for him. Heusgen's remarks come amidst ongoing speculations about territorial concessions of Ukraine to Russia.
Heusgen warns against granting Putin territorial concessions before negotiations begin, suggesting that such a move would be a mistake. He refers to the Minsk agreement, which he helped negotiate, and states that there was no provision for the cession of territories in the agreement.
Heusgen believes that NATO Secretary General Rutte is trying to accommodate U.S. President Trump by considering territorial concessions. However, he claims that such concessions, if made too lightly, could be detrimental to the long-term interests of Europe.
Heusgen's statements come as the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia regarding territorial concessions continue. Heusgen suggests that a big success for Putin would be to have Trump say they are in good talks without a ceasefire. According to Heusgen, there is no expectation of a ceasefire in the current negotiations.
The interview provides a glimpse into Heusgen's perceptions of Putin, but no specific details about these perceptions are provided. As a former adviser to Angela Merkel, Heusgen would likely have insights into the international perspectives on Putin's role in global politics.
However, the article does not mention any specific territories that are being discussed for potential concessions. The long-term prospects for Putin are closely tied to Russia's geopolitical situation and internal political dynamics, and for precise information on Heusgen's views, additional sources would be necessary.
- The community policy and general news discussions should address Heusgen's warnings against premature territorial concessions to Russia, as such moves could threaten the long-term interests of Europe.
- In the context of war-and-conflicts and politics, Heusgen's insights as a former foreign and security policy adviser to Angela Merkel could provide valuable perspectives on Putin's role in global politics and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia over territorial concessions.
