Moscow on May 9: Lots of geese walks, medals, and fun, but no public mobilization, no victory celebrations and no new nuclear concerns. In “Hart-Aber Fair,” Frank Blasberg asks: “Putin’s motorcade – isn’t a threat a cause for hope?”
Guests
Michael Roth (51, SPD). The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee warns that “Putin has not achieved any of his war goals. He has failed miserably. But he will continue the brutal war!”
Rodrich Keswetter (58, CDU). The foreign policy expert and former colonel slams the “intellectual message” against arms delivery: “I am very sorry that Mrs. Schwarzer makes herself a Putin follower!”
Claudia Major (45). The defense expert advises: “Ukraine should recover as much as possible militarily, with our help, because it needs a strong negotiating position!”
Professor Wolfgang Merkel (70). The political expert hopes: “Weapons are certainly not the only option.”
Jessen Dornbluth (53). The journalist (DeutschlandRadio) emphasizes the “stark contrast between the ‘high-gloss images of the show and images of the war in Ukraine'”.
The individual tables with bar stools at Corona’s distance disappeared, and the guests sat together again at the table as they used to. Zoff-O-Meter also hopes to achieve as much consistency as possible in terms of content.
First disappointment
Expert Major explains Putin’s speech: “One can guess that there was a reality check, because he talked about fallen sons and families in mourning. It’s a bit like, yes, he admits that things are not going according to plan. “
But: “For me it was more than a confirmation of what Russia was planning,” the major admits afterwards. “This is not a departure from the objectives. The war is justified. That is why I see it as an affirmation of the previous policy. I see no desire for negotiations or appeasement.” Off!
The most important reaction
The talk show host would have liked to hear something else: “I’m looking for a glimmer of hope without being naive,” he sighs. “Is there anyone here who sees it differently?”
No reaction. Blasberg quipped, “Silence is the answer too.” “I’ll give you more time to think…”
Zoff-O-Meter starts working
With this key word the professor feels that it is his duty. “If Putin had talked about some kind of victory, he would have started saving face, and it could have led to new steps,” he says with disappointment.
“When I hear he needs a face-saving solution!” The SPD man gets angry. “Even if he fails miserably, as he has done so far, he alone has the power to explain to his people that he has won. Because there is no longer anyone who can contradict him.”
Roth’s advice: “We must continue the massive support for Ukraine, because only the worst can be prevented from a position of strength.” There is the first round of applause.
The smartest analytics
“Putin is under tremendous pressure,” DLR journalist Dornbluth comments. “For me, that rhetoric was a grandiose ‘keep it up.’ No retreat, no deviation, no definition of goals. It keeps the door open.”
Kiesewetter helped: “Putin had the opportunity to announce today that he has largely achieved his war goals.” “We must prepare for a longer war.”
coolest dialogue
“As Michael Roth has said very clearly, we must stand by Ukraine not to lose this war,” demands the CDU-Kiesewetter. The four parties supporting the state show that they have a common goal. There is no place for party politics there. Applause again.
“Mr. Ruth, will you accept this hug?” The talk show host smiles.
The SPD man replies: “It’s not a hug, it’s a very honorable move that I respect a lot.” “The CDU/CSU can also act differently. That’s why you deserve credit. You have to say it clearly. It might also remove some of the citizens’ concerns.”
Foto: ARD ” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/putins-parade–ist-keine-drohung-schon-grund-zur-hoffnung–lautete-der-titel-des-hart-aber-fair-cd9bb1fe0a3d4f46a7be6e838239009c-80033036/Bild/1.bild.jpg”/> “Putin’s motorcade – isn’t a threat a reason for hope?” The title of the talk was “Difficult but Honest”Photo: ARD
The most painful illustration
The professor sprinkles itching powder on harmony: “We must reach a truce as quickly as possible in which the two sides can get to know each other,” he warns. If Putin loses his face, he will lean his back against the wall, “and then completely different disasters can happen!”
Major opposes: “Ukraine has no choice between war and peace.” “It has a de facto choice between war and annihilation or surrender. The second misconception is that Russia has a real interest in negotiations. Even with a ceasefire, we would only have frozen military conflict.”
The most proven manslaughter argument
“I do not understand how one can say that in a year the military situation is likely to be completely different, and after that the negotiating cards will be clearer from the Ukrainian side,” doubts Professor Merkel.
“That sounds a little cynical about the casino,” Blasberg rebukes.
I’m sorry what the political world is reluctant to accept instructions. “How many dead would my counter-question be, not at all polemical, but directed toward understanding, how many deaths can we actually afford before we reach a ceasefire?” Yes, not argumentative at all!
strongest objection
“Ukraine has decided it wants to fight,” the defense expert said. The goal should be to put Ukraine in the best possible negotiating position. This also means restoring as much of the territory occupied by Russia as possible. ”
Professor Merkel thumps his fist in the air and says: “How long will this war last?” “Can you say: Only when you have these lines will we negotiate, and then 10,000, 20,000, 30,000 may die?”
bitter record
Roth gets angry slowly: “For years, I shaped the policy of the West by not angering Russia despite its wars,” he recalls. “What is the result? We have a terrible war being fought exclusively by Russia and Putin!”
His concern: “We should not make ourselves dependent on Putin’s threats. Even if we only gave Ukraine five games, he would probably accuse us of massive interference. Therefore, only containment, deterrence and support will help us.”
Foto: ARD ” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/cdu-aussenpolitiker-roderich-kiesewetter-dbc5718526e84ff8b7415de68ab1faf5-80033044/Bild/1.bild.jpg”/> Foreign politician from the Christian Democratic Union, Rodrich KeswetterPhoto: ARD