Jiří Drove: “I admire Putin. But I am not a putofil ”!” (Literární noviny, Czech Republic)
If Putin and Trump remain in power in the next four years, we will see improvements in the world
Literární noviny: You claim that your predictions regarding Ukraine have come true. But how much? And is it true (and again how much) that the military forces of Russia are present in Ukraine?
- Jiří Vyvil: My words came true, because after the outbreak of events on Maidan, I was one of those who were thrown into despair. Someone from the EU needed to go to Ukraine and say there: “Friends, the president cannot be changed with the help of the coup, especially if you want to enter the EU!” The West made a mistake that led to the current situation, when the core values were lost, first of all security. The civil war in Ukraine led Europe to stop being safe. Even then, I wrote a letter to the chairman of the ČSSD party, calling to realize what is happening in Ukraine, that there is no point in standing up to the other side - Banderovites, because their position is contrary to our views and experience gained during the time of Czechoslovakia. I wrote an article stating that if the situation worsens, it will end like in Georgia. Result? Ukraine is divided. The East loves Russia, and the western part - the West. I predict Ukraine decay. But the main thing is that from the very beginning it was not in Ukraine, but in attempts to push Russia away and humiliate it. The pretext was Yanukovych’s refusal to sign an association agreement with the EU. This "trifle" gave a start to those events that are now "well" known to us. But personally, I assumed that Russia could not be pushed aside, and Ukraine would be destroyed.
- So Trump planted Europe, unwittingly, into the presidency?
- Trump has violated Europe’s plans. After all, what he says: “We will no longer overthrow the regimes in the world!” Recently my other article was published, where I write that without Maidan, modern Russia would not have become a superpower. Before Maidan, it was a regional power. Today, it is a superpower, and the world perceives it as such, although, unfortunately, it hates it. America and the UK are literally going crazy over Russia. They provoke a panic: they say that tomorrow Putin will press a button. In general, events in the world are developing as I predicted. But only in one I was mistaken. I thought that anti-Russian hysteria would soon settle down, that everyone would understand what a huge mistake they had made. I would say that today it is thanks to Trump that we see a decrease in tension. Objectively speaking, Putin will be Trump's only ally. So far he has no other allies, and today he cannot rely on anyone in Western Europe. We are still in the acute phase. But if these two policies remain in power in the next four years, the situation will stabilize. Other politicians who unsuccessfully intervened in Ukraine, for example Hollande and others, will leave their posts. I have repeatedly explained why I support Russia, and I remind you again: for me, Russia is the guarantor of peace on Earth. Russia intervenes where necessary. It helps to resolve the situation and solves the problems of the West. Smoothes them. The situation in Syria would not be the same as it is now if the West did not support jihadists. Russia plays a positive role. Putin is taking care not to provoke any excesses. And still they hate him. And in Forbes, they say that Putin is the number one person. Even if Trump starts doing “stupid things,” you'll see: in the end, they will come to terms with Putin.
- Why do you think Russia did not recognize the republics in the Donbas, although earlier it recognized the political status of Abkhazia and Ossetia?
- I must say that I admire Putin. But I am not a putofil. In my youth I liked Francois Mitterrand, Helmut Schmidt ... many of those who, unfortunately, no longer exist today. Nowadays in the Western world I do not see a single politician of their scale. Putin is brilliant because he knows exactly what needs to be done and when. This is the first. He understands that, he recognizes the independence of Donbass, will immediately violate the Budapest agreement on the inviolability of borders. In addition, and this is important, he does not need these regions. Some modus vivendi is more profitable for Putin: the Luhansk People's Republic and the Donetsk People's Republic remain part of Ukraine, and the pro-Russian population will live there. Sooner or later (time will play the role of a peacemaker) the situation in Ukraine will be settled. Putin does not want aggravations.
“Nevertheless, innocent civilians are dying in the Donbas.” If nothing is done, there will be even more victims. Is this not a reason for the intervention of some third party, for example, Russia?
- Not. Poroshenko is angry that Trump is not responding to his calls. At the autumn meeting of the UN General Assembly, the President of Ukraine met with Clinton, and Trump did not have time for him. Poroshenko wants at any price to conduct its own military operation in order to attract attention. His allies, such as Germany, no longer support him in such endeavors. What was Trump's reaction? Absolutely the opposite of what Poroshenko would like. The fact that Trump will seek peace on the Russian-Ukrainian border, the president of Ukraine, of course, does not want to hear. At that, the question of Ukraine seems to have been exhausted. It is possible that some Western functionaries such as Mogherini and others will go there ... But, rather, it will rather go towards the fact that a certain balance will be achieved. In the end, sooner or later there will be elections.
- It may seem that the situation in Ukraine has matured dozens, at least plus or minus 25, years. It is possible that they were preparing for this operation longer than it seems at first glance. How would you comment that a whole generation was raised in hatred of Russia? But people who are related to this, speak the same language. They have a common culture, literature. What's happening?
- I read somewhere that Bismarck once said: they say, Ukraine needs to be separated from Russia. Ukraine is an artificial entity, and in this Vaclav Klaus is right. There are collected many differently feeling people and nationalities. There are completely pro-Russian elements, and pro-Western elements, if you wish, to Poland. However, there are nationalist semi-fascist elements who waited all the time while their activities were reasonably suppressed. Now, in conditions of acute conflict, they are again torn to the fore. So, the official struggle of Ukraine “for freedom” is a kind of a red herring. I admit that some things were prepared, and I also agree, for example, with the fact that there are in Ukraine (I don’t even speak about Poland and the Baltic States) people and groups who are happy that pressure is being put on Russia through sanctions. Some political groups share this joy with them. Speech about hawks filled with hatred. Recall how McCain pressured Saakashvili to provoke a conflict in Ossetia during the Olympics. When was the Maidan, McCain was there again. In addition, before Russia had leaders who are much better than Putin, correspond to the "title" of the dictator. Nevertheless, it was Putin who deserved from the West this unflattering name. Ukraine is rather an instrument of pressure on Russia, which the West uses to the full.
- You have already touched on this topic: we also have a certain layer of people who consider Putin to be a dictator. Where do our citizens get this opinion from? A dictator is one who at least commits genocide and so on. Are there any arguments in this case?
- You see, the question is who exactly holds this opinion. Our society is divided in this respect too. Say, Havel’s groups of supporters and the like hate Putin automatically. And if someone commits suicide in Russia, in this case they will be called Putin’s murderer. In the Czech Republic, 21 August echoes are still heard. But Putin enjoys the support of 80% of the population in Russia. Over the years, his party has an absolute majority in parliament. Of course, Russia has a very clear presidential system, more pronounced and unambiguous than in the United States. And so Putin can act like an authoritarian leader. But I am glad that he is exactly like that ...
“We have a large Russian minority in the Czech Republic, which is characterized by Russophobic sentiment. Russophobes can be found among Russians abroad, and in Russia itself.
- This is normal. I do not know who these people are with us, these former Russians who speak Russian. Mitrofanov, Fishtein, Romantsov - journalists with Russian surnames. And they all vehemently hate Russia. In the case of Romantsov, this is simply ridiculous, because he should have been a neutral political scientist. And he hates the Putin regime. For three years nothing of his disastrous predictions about Putin has been confirmed. And today the president of Russia is number one in the world. As for the Russian minority, it left Russia for a better life. So they should be taken.
“But among the“ immigrants from Russia who are looking for a better life, ”there are also successful entrepreneurs. They immigrated to us, being already businessmen. Isn't it strange? They are against Putin because he interferes with their business ...
- I am not so familiar with the Russian oligarchs. But you know, something like this is everywhere ... In its own way, this part of Russian society mirrors the American one. In America, too, a part of society hates Trump. I would not take it seriously. Let's not take this seriously.
- Does the United States threaten a kind of Maidan?
- I no longer follow the Russian the news, but more often I look at what is shown on American television channels and read about the events in the original. I am a “specialist” in French, German, Russian, and now English. The atmosphere in the USA is tense to the limit. It is absolutely certain that attempts are being made, mainly with the help of the media and purchased demonstrators, to block work - at best - or even topple Trump. Maybe impeachment. But this option is better than trying to eliminate Trump with the help of an attempt. America already had such a precedent. Thus, the United States is experiencing the most dangerous period of its existence. And here I come back to what I have already said. If Trump and Putin are alive and well over the next four years, the world will change. I am very optimistic. But before the processes get on track, we will have very difficult times. Soros, Bilderberg Club, Davos - all of them will put sticks in wheels. They will stand in the way.
- The United States deployed a huge military contingent in Poland and are in no hurry to withdraw it, although Trump became the president. And what if he fails to defend his position due to resistance in certain military circles, the CIA and the FBI? Does Trump enjoy their support?
“I have a special relationship with Trump.” When Obama started, I almost with tears in my eyes listened to his speeches. Trump supposedly has no clear idea of what he wants to achieve. I think he is true to himself, and he has been talking about his convictions for several years. The EU means nothing to it. Therefore, Europe is confused. Trump has a different attitude towards Putin: he respects the Russian president. Putin is impossible not to respect. He is a pro. Trump understands that with the EU "Islamic State" (banned in Russia - Ed.) Not win. And in the same way, a number of other problems cannot be solved with the EU. In order to put some pressure on China for economic reasons, Trump needs an ally. I am convinced, and not only I think so, but Kissinger as well ... In general, there is nothing to do: Putin is our priority. By the way, last year Kissinger became a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Putin thinks ten steps ahead. Trump is impulsive, but in some matters he is adamant. Ukraine has no chance: Trump will not fight for it.
“What do these Russian hackers allow themselves to do? They allegedly made the content of SMS messages to Clinton public.” But why doesn't anyone care who, in fact, Clinton wrote? Is the EU lacking critical thinking? Can the European Union win the fight against terrorism? As far as we are able to recognize the real threats and confront them?
- There was a time when politicians who had their own opinion worked in the European political systems. They knew how to stand out. Chirac came out strongly against the war in Iraq, as did Schröder. He built his campaign on this and won. I voted for joining the European Union. But at the time, Europe was different. She had her outstanding figures. Today they are not. Today in the EU there is no leader who would work for the benefit of the EU. It would be enough for one strong Frenchman, such as de Gaulle. All former German Chancellors were better than Merkel. Even Kohl warned her because of her attitude towards Russia. The EU is able to discuss duties, bending cucumbers ... But it is not capable of acting, for example, against terrorism. The last thing the European Union failed to cope with was Maidan. It turned out that the European Union is not coping with the new policy and interprets it incorrectly.
- But what is the reason for the shortage of critical thinking among Europeans? Is this a consequence of something? Perhaps the reason for the consumer lifestyle? Or is that we forgot our own history, although constantly refer to it?
- We, the Czechs, must understand that our world is different from the Western. On the one hand, I find it funny when I hear that a hundred thousand refugees will come to us. I think no. Czech Republic is not just interested in them. On the other hand, I know that within 15 years, Western Europe can fully obey the influence of Islam. We, the people of Central Europe, will have to create a “small European Union” together with Austria. I don’t like to talk about these things disparagingly and I’ll never call the name of a Muslim. But when barbarians invade our civilization, it destroys our life. The same mistake was made by the Romans. Merkel said: that 300 of thousands of refugees is normal. We can handle it. Businessmen support her. But for us this means one thing: we must save our small country. Perhaps along with Slovakia. I am for cooperation with Austria. She has problems, but she will have to deal with the refugees somehow. I support the idea of a Central European Union of States, which would serve as a barrier.
- Do you think that the new Slavic idea will have something interesting for us? And what about Russia? A large Muslim minority resides on its territory. Could we take an example from how Russia constantly manages to negotiate with this minority?
- The future is in new forms of organization of the world, such as a confederation of states in the Eurasian space. Someone will enter it earlier, someone later. I am sure that Putin and Trump, mainly Putin, will solve the issues of Islamic radicalism and terrorism. Since Putin has millions of Muslims in the country of 14, he cannot have a concept. Nothing else remains. He has already proved that he knows how to perfectly establish contact with Muslims. In modern Chechnya, he also enjoys great support.
- Can any cultural and philosophical idea help us to encourage immigrants to assimilate without problems? What will help Europe to save its own face in the coming period?
- I will say tough: Europe today does not offer anything. But we will survive. The Czechs will survive, because we do not want to take anyone.
“At least or above all, do we want a renowned Schweik’s peace?”
- We are different. Let's not forget that all nations are different. We are a special people. We have the gift to adapt, and there are no great ideas. To be honest, in our country there will also be no successful parties that would defend the national idea. However, I think that doing a certain emphasis on the nation is correct. Some attempts have already been made. In general, as far as Europe is concerned, Putin is right: “You already have no values!” This is a cruel truth. For example, the trial of a refugee who raped a boy and received a suspended sentence. What values does Europe talk about? Putin noted that if Europe cannot protect children, then what are its values? What values is Europe talking about? In this regard, only now after Trump, I realized that I absolutely do not understand Western Europe. Once our demonstrators rang their keys, chanting: "We want the West." But do we really want the West that we see today? Europe and its perverted correctness. Something is definitely out of order here. So we will have no chance. The Czechs are still holding up pretty well. But the West is completely perverted. And if he wants someone to impose something like that, then he definitely will not work. 60 is long gone.
- Our TV channels show series about Russian aggression. She is frightened by the Poles, and the Baltic countries feel threatened. Some Czechs react to this and are afraid of Russian intervention. What do you say about this?
“I heard nothing more ridiculous.” But if in Poland, the Baltic States, Romania will not saber weapons and try to provoke a conflict with Russia at any cost, then I will feel comfortable in the center of Europe. I have no fear, because Russia has no elementary reason to attack. The irony is that the larger NATO maneuvers in Europe are more dangerous than Russia.
Europe and NATO provoked destabilization in the world. According to their plan, Russia had to be destroyed. But without Russia there would be no Europe at all. When the Nazis until the death remained one step. Russia not only did not give up, but also becomes stronger with Putin. Ukraine is in despair. Western Europe does not know what will happen next. It is necessary that the EU and its leaders gradually begin to realize that they themselves can not do anything. Okay, customs unions can be saved, but Europeans need to understand that they can no longer send troops somewhere, support jihadists in Syria and put Ukraine on its head. I would like some small European Union. Look at foreign diasporas in different countries, such as Holland, Belgium, France, England ... There I predict serious problems. We must come to our senses!
- Will the US-Russia coalition succeed in defeating ISIS?
- Of course yes. It's not just the "Islamic state". If Putin and Trump hold on to power for another presidential term, the world will change. He will be beautiful. We will move to a new world.
- Literární noviny, Czech Republic
- http://literarky.cz/politika/rozhovory/23720-jii-vyvadil-obdivuju-putina-ale-nejsem-putinofil
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