Meeting of Minds: US Senator Lindsey Graham Shares Political Insights with German Leaders
Senator engages in a discussion with Merz in a private setting.
In a significant turn of events, US Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch supporter of Ukraine and advocate for harder US sanctions against Russia, is in Berlin this week. He's scheduled to meet with Friedrich Merz, potential future German Chancellor, and Wolfgang Kubicki, Chairman of the Free Democrats (FDP).
Thursday looms large on the political horizon, as Merz plans to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington. This crucial encounter could have far-reaching consequences for a multitude of topics, none more pressing than Ukraine and the question of potential sanctions against Russia.
The Sanctions Question
Currently, a bill is pending in the US Senate with a bipartisan majority in favor of new Russia sanctions. Although the EU Commission is responsible for addressing this issue, Merz will coordinate with them. Tariffs are likely to be a prime concern as well.
Graham, scheduled to meet with Merz on Monday, has already collaborated with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal on a sanctions package. This proposal, while yet to be put to a vote, enjoys broad support in the Senate. Graham anticipates that the sanctions will be implemented by the G7 summit in Italy, slated for mid-June[1].
Foreign Policy Realignments
Graham, like many Republicans, approached foreign policy differently before the Trump era. He advocated for a clear commitment to NATO and a firm stance against Russia. Yet, after a stormy start, Graham has aligned himself with Trump's foreign policy, albeit with occasional moderating tones, particularly regarding support for Ukraine.
Given Graham's close relationship with Trump and his insights into the US political landscape, he could offer valuable advice to Merz ahead of Thursday's meeting. The senator knows the president well and might warn Merz of potential pitfalls[2].
The Tricky Path Ahead
Trump's reliability in the sanctions issue is uncertain, as he has shown himself to be fickle in the past. During a trip to Kyiv, Merz, along with several other leaders, had received a promise from Trump to jointly impose new sanctions on Russia in exchange for a ceasefire. However, as soon as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced bilateral talks in Istanbul, Trump rapidly dropped the idea of sanctions, much to the dismay of the international community.
Sensing a potential opportunity, Russian forces have intensified their attacks on Ukraine, leading to renewed criticism from Senator Graham. The senator can likely estimate how seriously Trump will take this provocation. As of now, details about Graham's meetings with Merz and Kubicki remain undisclosed[3].
[1] Washington Post[2] Politico[3] ntv.de
Translation:
In the past, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer demonstrated an example of how one might flatter Trump. He mimicked Trump's style, used his favorite phrases like "strong together" and "winning together," delivered a letter from King Charles inviting Trump to a state visit for the second time, and boasted self-importantly that such an invitation was unprecedented.
Lessons From Zelenskyy and Starmer
Merz meets Trump for the first time. However, he has already attempted to build a rapport with Trump after two phone calls and some text messages. He addresses Trump informally as "Donald," and Trump reciprocates by calling Merz "Friedrich." Merz has already invited Trump to Germany, as his ancestors come from the winemaking village of Kallstadt in Rhineland-Palatinate. The likely increase in German defense spending is also likely to appeal to Trump.
Merz is familiar with American customs, having served as chairman of the elite US-German association Atlantikbrücke and as Germany's head of the financial manager Blackrock, he frequently travels to the US. Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius praised Merz's knowledge of the US, stating that he probably knows the USA "better than all of us."
[1] ntv.de[2] Washington Post[3] Politico
- In light of the pending US Senate bill on new Russia sanctions and the potential impact on Ukraine, it is crucial for the EU Commission to consider the Commission's proposed regulation on the protection of the environment, as the sanctions could have far-reaching environmental consequences.
- As US Senator Lindsey Graham collaborates with potential future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on sanctions against Russia, Graham's insights into the intricacies of US politics and his close relationship with President Donald Trump could offer invaluable advice to Merz, particularly concerning the unpredictable foreign policy actions of Trump.
