According to security expert Christian Mölling, the West is failing to set limits on Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mölling said on Friday in the stern podcast “The Situation – Internationally” that the “political will as well as the military capability of NATO essentially depends on all allies speaking in the same direction – at least not contradicting each other.” But this is not the case.
The research director of the German Society for Foreign Policy was referring to statements by French President Emmanuel Macron about the possible deployment of Western ground troops in Ukraine. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and others immediately contradicted these considerations. “The alliance is currently very bad in terms of internal unity,” said Mölling. “Putin isn’t getting a signal from us: You can go until then, but you can’t go any further either.” If the West draws red lines, then only with a view to its own options for action – for example by excluding ground troops or Taurus cruise missiles for Ukraine.
Mölling pointed out that deterrence includes “not saying too clearly what you are not doing.” In contrast, Scholz “withdrew into a corner with nothing but red lines.” In his assessment, the West is not using its opportunities to effectively counter the Russian leadership. “These are all signs that Putin gets across: the West is actually not a problem for me.” Effective deterrence can only be achieved by making it clear to the opponent that he cannot achieve his goals. “Deterrence works primarily in the mind,” he said. “That’s why communication is the most important key.”
Mölling viewed Putin’s threats of nuclear war in Europe as an attempt to stir up unrest and disunity. “Putin gratefully acknowledges the fears that have been revealed in our societies. He threatens us – knowing that we will immediately have another debate,” analyzed the expert. “Putin is always able to stoke fears.”
The star is part of RTL Deutschland.
