The German people believe that Moscow is protecting its legitimate interests in Ukraine, and Sarah Palin gave Obama a nuclear idea.
A week and a half ago, the American president was not too lazy to make a triple phone call. The “exceptional” disturbed with his messages the highest officials of Germany, Britain, and at the same time Poland. The theme raised by Barack Obama is no longer new: the same “Crimean crisis” (this is what they call it in Western newspapers). Under the pretense of discussing the current situation, the White House host gave instructions to the British, Germans and Poles and explained that all actions in Ukraine should be coordinated with the United States.
The leaders of the designated European countries on another continent shuffled their feet and took the visor (who is like). Satisfied Obama smiled and hung up. "Ukrinform" He cited the official statement of the White House: “The leaders expressed serious concern over Russia's apparent encroachment on Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a violation of international law and a threat to international peace and security. They stressed that a dialogue should begin between Ukraine and Russia immediately, subject to international assistance as necessary. ”
As further noted in the White House official report, the heads of state pledged to work together on financial assistance packages for Ukraine (bilateral and multilateral).
That's right. Ukraine needs reform. In this issue all international financial institutions, starting with the IMF, agree. The reforms will be prescribed for Ukraine by the West - in this case it is a specialist. The International Monetary Fund, as is known, has destroyed not one country with its “structural reforms”. In the nineties, even Russia was on his shoulder. And it is not difficult to predict that after such an extensive medical practice, Western financial doctors will make incisions with a scalpel exactly where needed. And the patient under the name of Ukraine will lie down for a long time.
Meanwhile, the political relations between Britain and Germany, which the White House was persistently imposing on their point of view, are far from ideal. Britain, like many other EU members, does not approve of Germany’s harsh economic policy, which is actually dictated by the EU countries. The Germans do not like the too tight cooperation of the British special services with the US - this became widely known after revelations from Comrade Snowden. As for the British, they believe that Berlin was determined to make a new “Reich” out of the EU, which would be ruled, apparently, by Angela Merkel. London doesn’t approve of such centralization and is in favor of a purely economic union, without any admixture of politics; moreover, foggy Albion constantly bargains from the EU for all sorts of benefits and preferences for itself, loved, that the Germans, of course, enraged. Either all are equal (and the Germans are a bit more equal than others), or ... "Or" Angela Merkel does not want. Nor does the German people — about half of these people, judging by last year’s polls — want to feed parasites from crisis countries like Greece or Spain. The situation is difficult, and then there is Ukraine. Here, the positions of Germany and the USA diverge: if the heart of the first mil Klitschko, and she is ready to “elect” him, the White House, through the mouth of V. Nuland, rudely made a bet on Yatsenyuk. That is why Obama had to “coordinate” the actions of the Allies in Ukraine a few days ago.
Germany and Britain still agree on something. Both countries are putting pressure on Russia, intending to launch something like the Syrian peace scenario in Ukraine. No, no, get it right, this is not about the invasion of democratic militants, but about the Geneva conferences. London and Berlin want Putin to speak out for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Crimea, having held talks with the current “government” of Ukraine and with “Western partners” and would give the go-ahead to form some kind of diplomatic “contact group” that would find a way out of the current situation - a way that everyone would like.
Surprisingly, this desire of the West to wishful thinking is possible! Did the conference "Geneva" in Syria give at least some result? No, and could not give. What can you negotiate if the Saudis, Qatari and the West support semi-officially militants in Syria and set their sights on its split, while talking about peace and democracy (and even promised material aid to Syria — Qatar, for example, promised billions)? Fascist militants in Kiev and in the western part of Ukraine - this is the force that rushes to power. This is the force that is armed and well organized. However, the Nazi nationalists do not confuse the West in the same way that bearded militants in Syria do not confuse him. All this is one scenario; The State Department has never had a rich imagination: its employees are used to dealing with templates or tracing paper. Do not confuse the Nazis, Americans and even some Europeans because they really want to annoy them Russian. Fascism at the side of Russia is cool. Let the Russians suffer, and we will see. In order to speed up the process of strangling Russia, the US congressmen even urge Obama to quickly lift the restrictions on shale gas exports to Europe. True, experts have big doubts about the fact that America can play the role of Gazprom. Congressmen are ready to break all the earthly layers of America with a fracking, just to annoy the Russians.
President Putin, by the way, has already phoned D. Cameron and promised to think about creating a “contact group” of diplomats. In British newspapers they write that Putin himself said that he wanted to achieve a diplomatic resolution of the crisis, because a stable Ukraine is in the interests of all parties.
Mr Cameron has developed a vigorous activity against Russia. Responding to a question from parliamentarians about possible actions of the British government in connection with the situation in Ukraine, he said: “I ordered to urgently explore all ties with Russia at the government level. We have already stated that government representatives and royal family members will not go to the Paralympic Games in Sochi. Many other meetings planned at the ministerial level will be canceled due to the current situation. ” He added: “Bilateral relations in the military sphere are being studied, they can be frozen, with the exception of contacts that are required to implement international agreements, in particular on arms control in Europe.” Earlier, the British Prime Minister, following US Secretary of State D. Kerry, threatened to exclude Russia from the G-8.
However, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier opposed the proposal for expulsion. As for Putin, he spoke on March 9 not only with Cameron, but also with Angela Merkel. According to the latter The upcoming Crimean referendum is “illegitimate” because it does not comply with the norms of Ukrainian legislation and international law. Like Cameron, A. Merkel would like to create an international contact group. The German Chancellor stressed the need to urgently achieve significant results towards the formation of a “contact group”.
Press Service of the President of Russia in response noted the “Differences in assessments of what is happening.” V. Putin "stressed that the steps taken by the legitimate leadership of Crimea are based on the norms of international law and are designed to ensure the legitimate interests of the population of the peninsula."
All this shows direct and obvious differences in the positions of Russia and Germany (which, in matters of "legitimacy," brilliantly converges with Britain). At the same time, in some German circles in recent weeks, the great economic thought is repeated that the largest trading partner in the East is not Russia, but “democratic neighbors”: Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Their Axel Springer, author of opinion paper in «Die Welt», calls "emerging economies." Hence the “common” policy of the Germans and Poles: “stabilize” Ukraine, bringing it to a state of “legal certainty”. Such a strategy seems to be viable to the author. And Germany could do more, says Springer.
As for the Kremlin, according to the author, he “intends to destabilize the new Ukraine.” Ukraine, the journalist writes, has suffered more than any other country under the Soviets and the Nazis. In the Kremlin, and today they continue to believe that Ukraine should not continue to go its own way towards a bright European future, complete self-determination and other delights. Approximately this conclusion makes Springer.
In all German newspapers, the Crimean problem is called the same: “Krim-Krise”. This phrase is often placed near the headlines. And what is especially interesting here is that if the authorities and their mouthpieces in the media trumpet "illegitimacy" and repeat ducks about the invasion of Russian troops in Ukrainian cities and villages as arguments, then the German people seem to overlook the governments and the press differently. From the latest polls, it suddenly turned out that while the authorities and its hirelings-hirelings are talking about "contact groups", "illegitimacy" and "destabilization", ordinary German burghers stand on the side of Russia. While European politicians are discussing the introduction of sanctions against Russia, the citizens of Germany are “voting” for Moscow!
Correspondent "Kommersant" Galina Dudina even had to call to Berlin to get information about how plausible the data of the poll of the newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, conducted through the website of the publication. The fact is that, out of almost 12, thousands of participants in the survey 80% supported the opinion of the "duplicity of criticism from the West and the protection of Russia's legitimate interests". The figures of the opponents of Russia are insignificant.
For “military intervention on the side of Ukraine”, only 4% of respondents spoke. As many more voted to exclude Russia from G-8. "Diplomatic solution" supported 12%.
The editors of Der Tagesspiegel did not confirm that all respondents voted from the territory of Germany. The Kommersant journalist was told that “in order to protect the users' data, the editorial office does not collect information about their location”.
Here it is necessary to make a reservation. It would seem that there is nothing easier than to look at the Der Tagesspiegel website and see all the polls. However, it turned out the following: A poll in which many supported Russia was removed from the site. The fact that he was really deleted was confirmed by commentators from other publications (this will be discussed below).
A little earlier, the newspaper Der Tagesspiegel conducted a survey jointly by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and a major newspaper «Die Welt». Interviewed top managers of German companies; A total of 163 people participated in the survey.
Almost 66 percent of respondents believe that the West should help Ukraine financially sick: after all, this country is on the verge of national bankruptcy. Kiev, according to a newspaper note, turned to the International Monetary Fund for help, and Russia, the “great neighbor,” does not want to give Ukraine the billions that it promised to give earlier in the form of loans.
It was also found out during the survey that almost 59% of top managers find the stability of Ukraine to be very important in the context of the overall security of Europe. Almost seven percent of respondents expressed concern that the Ukrainian crisis would affect the global economy.
15 percent of executives polled reject Western assistance and declare that it should not compete with Russia for influence in Ukraine.
And a little more than 15% are afraid that Europe will not be able to get any benefits for itself, giving billions of help to a sick country.
Thus, approximately 30% of the surveyed top managers completely rejected the idea of Western aid to Ukraine.
And here is another poll whose results are published in the influential newspaper «Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung». This survey was organized by the Infratest Dimap Institute on the request of the ARD television company for the Deutschlandtrend program. The survey results were released on March 6. Illustrating the survey, the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” placed on the strip a satirical picture with the “Gala-Konzert der Don Kosaken” poster, next to which there are two pensioners and ponder Is not going to comrade Putin to return the GDR.
Going to the site of the Institute Infratest dimap. An 1003 participant older than 18 years (representative random sample, telephone or computer interview) took part in the survey.
According to the survey, almost two thirds of Germans (65%) believe that a peaceful solution to the conflict is possible. The fact that Ukraine will be divided in two, said 31%.
To the direct question “Konflikt zwischen Russland und der Ukraine:" answered “right” 32% of respondents. 60% believes that this statement is "false."
In resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Germans rely primarily on diplomacy from Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Steinmeier. It is also quite obvious that the German people are skeptical of such a crisis mediator as Mr. Obama.
58% of respondents believe that the European Union and the German federal government should fundamentally support Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. However, less than four out of ten are advised to intervene in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
62% of respondents advocate greater political pressure from the West against Russia. At the same time, economic sanctions as a lever of influence are mostly met by respondents critically (the ratio of 38 versus 57 percent). Excluding Russia due to the current crisis from G-8 wants 19%. And finally, 7 percent believes that the time has come to completely abandon political relations with Russia.
Back to the site «Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung». The newspaper reminds that the share of respondents who consider Russia to be a reliable partner decreased by three percentage points to 15 percent. This is the lowest recorded value to date in the “Deutschlandtrend”.
The comments of the Germans on this article are also curious.
Rolf weser doubts about the "two-thirds." Roland Müller writes that war is just as unlikely as "the Greek state budget without debt." Cornelius fiala reminds of 2003: this year the United States invaded even without a UN mandate in Iraq. But there is no reason to start the Third World War, the author writes a commentary. The NATO member countries are right there, and Putin will not stretch his hands to Ukraine: he is “too smart,” and he “knows his limits for sure.” The same commentator says that from time immemorial the military fist gives far more than a bag full of “norms of international law”.
Wolfgang frei points out the difference between public and published opinion. The program ARD channel commentator calls a direct continuation of the practice, which is used for weeks. We are talking about one-sided coverage of the situation in Ukraine and Russia - in short, propaganda. ARD unilaterally covers the events on the "Maidan". The fact that the protesters opened fire on the security forces beat the special forces with batons and sticks and threw bottles with incendiary mixture, of course, did not criticize ...
Jan van gemmerenreferring to the online survey “Tagesspiegel” (see above), reminds that the overwhelming majority of participants chose the answer “Criticism of the West is hypocritical, Russia protects legitimate interests” but This survey data was removed from the Tagesspiegel website on the same day. (“Allerdings wurde diese ungeschönte Umfrage am selben Tag noch vom Tagesspiegel wieder von seiner Webpage entfernt”).
So the German opinion was divided. Tabloid "Bild" I tried to approach the matter from objective points of view.
Does the West really have any chance against Vladimir Putin? This question — no more, no less — asked for the publication.
Is the West dependent on the raw materials Putin sells?
Well, the United States does not even have oil and gas reserves, this country is provided from sources in the Arab world. True, gas and oil are now being extracted from shale in the USA by fracking. But Western Europe still depends on oil and gas from Russia. Germany, for example, satisfies as much 35% of its demand for oil and gas from Russian sources. At the same time, Russia depends on foreign exchange transactions with Western Europe. 80% of its oil and gas supplies are sold to Russians in the EU. And half of all imports to Russia come from the EU. Dependence is easy to trace.
Well, what's inside Russia: do the Russians themselves approve of the campaign that Putin started against Ukraine?
Apparently not, the correspondent replies. In a recent survey commissioned by the Kremlin and conducted at the end of February, 73% of Russian respondents opposed interference in Ukrainian affairs, and only 15% were in favor. Protests against the “Putin war”, the author writes, spread throughout the country.
Can Putin even allow himself to invade?
Definitely not! Russia's economy is weakening: a gigantic empire is threatened by recession. The ruble is at a record low, its value has fallen by 2013 percent since autumn 14 of the year against the euro. The stock market in Moscow is slipping. Experts expect as a result of total losses in the amount of 44 billion euros - this is even more than Putin spent on the Olympic Games in Sochi!
Well, and allies? Does Putin still have allies against Ukraine?
Not! Even Kazakhstan is no longer counted, it is against violence. And China also clearly stated: "We respect the freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."
Can the West weaken Putin?
Yes! The United States and Europe can block foreign accounts of wealthy Russians and refuse them entry to the West. Who are we talking about? These are oligarchs, politicians, top managers — all are Putin's friends ... They are investing their money in Zurich, London and the Caribbean. Their women love shopping in Paris, New York, Berlin, Milan. And their offspring, the correspondent writes, receives education in Western universities: Stanford, Harvard, Oxford ...
Maybe Putin is stronger than NATO?
Not. Although NATO today fears any intervention and does not dare to run into a fire of nuclear war. but in an emergency, the forces of the West will be much greater. In Russia, 800000 people "stand under arms," the journalist writes. But only soldiers from the USA, England and France - about 1,8 million. The same applies to airplanes / helicopters: 22000 from the West and 4000 from Russia. Warships: 660 (West) versus 350 (Russia). By tanks (15500) Russians are superior to the West (France, England, USA possess 9000). However, most Russian tanks have to go to landfill, the author concludes.
Here is a deal described in the newspaper "Bild".
Also in the German and in general the Western European press write that the EU is about to impose sanctions against Russia. At the same time, Foreign Minister Steinmeier warned those who are enthusiastic about “punitive measures” against Moscow. After all, economic sanctions will cause damage to both parties. It is clear that Russia will get more, which will be in real "self-isolation".
As for the USA, its activation near Ukraine was well described by one 20-year-old resident of Berlin with Stuttgarter Platz. This guy, Vladimir Pfeifle, works on display of goods in the supermarket "Russia" ("Rossia"). For him, the outcome of the conflict is quite predictable: “Ukraine will be divided. The United States wants access to the Black Sea, they want to surround Russia ... "
And the American revitalization, I should add, is already going too far ... March 8, on International Women's Day, the inimitable Sarah Palin spoke at the "Conference of Conservative Political Action" and suggested Mr Obama’s specific method of containing Russia:
In her opinion, Barack Obama encouraged Vladimir Putin with his soft policy:
These are geopolitical advice.
Well, in conclusion, the paragraph about the Ukrainian opinion of Britain - a faithful ally of America. As notes Kommersant, 50% of survey participants, organized by YouGov for the Sunday Times, are convinced that the Ukrainian crisis affects not only Kiev and Moscow, but also London. The same 50% stated that they “more support” the new government of Ukraine. 34% "do not support any of the parties." Russia is “more supported” by only 3%. The idea of economic sanctions against Moscow is also popular with the British: 42% of the respondents favored it. Nevertheless, the warriors of foggy Albion do not rush into battle: only 15% craves to help Kiev with military power. Other desperate little heads are even ready to "send troops into Russia" - there were 11% such.
So, Russia's top geopolitical opponents in the Ukrainian situation are the United States and Britain. The Anglo-Saxons are talking about all sorts of demarches (for example, regarding the Paralympic Games or scheduled ministerial meetings), the “freezing” of relations, the exclusion of Russia from the G8. The EU is talking about economic sanctions. Germany is cautious: the sanctions may go sideways because Russia supplies it with a lot of gas (Germany satisfies 35% of its demand for oil and gas from Russian sources). However, spring is outside ...
The Tagesspiegel newspaper conducted a survey of readers in which the overwhelming majority of respondents chose the answer “Criticism of the West is hypocritical, Russia protects its legitimate interests” (80%). However, the data from this amazing survey was removed from the Tagesspiegel website on the same day that German readers noticed and criticized.
Meanwhile, according to another poll, 11% of the British (not otherwise, energized by something strong in the morning) approved the introduction of troops to Russia, and Sarah Palin, speaking at a "Conference of Conservative Political Action," suggested Obama to play with nuclear weapons, reminding the "bad guy" Putin, who is the owner of the Earth ...
The leaders of the designated European countries on another continent shuffled their feet and took the visor (who is like). Satisfied Obama smiled and hung up. "Ukrinform" He cited the official statement of the White House: “The leaders expressed serious concern over Russia's apparent encroachment on Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a violation of international law and a threat to international peace and security. They stressed that a dialogue should begin between Ukraine and Russia immediately, subject to international assistance as necessary. ”
As further noted in the White House official report, the heads of state pledged to work together on financial assistance packages for Ukraine (bilateral and multilateral).
That's right. Ukraine needs reform. In this issue all international financial institutions, starting with the IMF, agree. The reforms will be prescribed for Ukraine by the West - in this case it is a specialist. The International Monetary Fund, as is known, has destroyed not one country with its “structural reforms”. In the nineties, even Russia was on his shoulder. And it is not difficult to predict that after such an extensive medical practice, Western financial doctors will make incisions with a scalpel exactly where needed. And the patient under the name of Ukraine will lie down for a long time.
Meanwhile, the political relations between Britain and Germany, which the White House was persistently imposing on their point of view, are far from ideal. Britain, like many other EU members, does not approve of Germany’s harsh economic policy, which is actually dictated by the EU countries. The Germans do not like the too tight cooperation of the British special services with the US - this became widely known after revelations from Comrade Snowden. As for the British, they believe that Berlin was determined to make a new “Reich” out of the EU, which would be ruled, apparently, by Angela Merkel. London doesn’t approve of such centralization and is in favor of a purely economic union, without any admixture of politics; moreover, foggy Albion constantly bargains from the EU for all sorts of benefits and preferences for itself, loved, that the Germans, of course, enraged. Either all are equal (and the Germans are a bit more equal than others), or ... "Or" Angela Merkel does not want. Nor does the German people — about half of these people, judging by last year’s polls — want to feed parasites from crisis countries like Greece or Spain. The situation is difficult, and then there is Ukraine. Here, the positions of Germany and the USA diverge: if the heart of the first mil Klitschko, and she is ready to “elect” him, the White House, through the mouth of V. Nuland, rudely made a bet on Yatsenyuk. That is why Obama had to “coordinate” the actions of the Allies in Ukraine a few days ago.
Germany and Britain still agree on something. Both countries are putting pressure on Russia, intending to launch something like the Syrian peace scenario in Ukraine. No, no, get it right, this is not about the invasion of democratic militants, but about the Geneva conferences. London and Berlin want Putin to speak out for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Crimea, having held talks with the current “government” of Ukraine and with “Western partners” and would give the go-ahead to form some kind of diplomatic “contact group” that would find a way out of the current situation - a way that everyone would like.
Surprisingly, this desire of the West to wishful thinking is possible! Did the conference "Geneva" in Syria give at least some result? No, and could not give. What can you negotiate if the Saudis, Qatari and the West support semi-officially militants in Syria and set their sights on its split, while talking about peace and democracy (and even promised material aid to Syria — Qatar, for example, promised billions)? Fascist militants in Kiev and in the western part of Ukraine - this is the force that rushes to power. This is the force that is armed and well organized. However, the Nazi nationalists do not confuse the West in the same way that bearded militants in Syria do not confuse him. All this is one scenario; The State Department has never had a rich imagination: its employees are used to dealing with templates or tracing paper. Do not confuse the Nazis, Americans and even some Europeans because they really want to annoy them Russian. Fascism at the side of Russia is cool. Let the Russians suffer, and we will see. In order to speed up the process of strangling Russia, the US congressmen even urge Obama to quickly lift the restrictions on shale gas exports to Europe. True, experts have big doubts about the fact that America can play the role of Gazprom. Congressmen are ready to break all the earthly layers of America with a fracking, just to annoy the Russians.
President Putin, by the way, has already phoned D. Cameron and promised to think about creating a “contact group” of diplomats. In British newspapers they write that Putin himself said that he wanted to achieve a diplomatic resolution of the crisis, because a stable Ukraine is in the interests of all parties.
Mr Cameron has developed a vigorous activity against Russia. Responding to a question from parliamentarians about possible actions of the British government in connection with the situation in Ukraine, he said: “I ordered to urgently explore all ties with Russia at the government level. We have already stated that government representatives and royal family members will not go to the Paralympic Games in Sochi. Many other meetings planned at the ministerial level will be canceled due to the current situation. ” He added: “Bilateral relations in the military sphere are being studied, they can be frozen, with the exception of contacts that are required to implement international agreements, in particular on arms control in Europe.” Earlier, the British Prime Minister, following US Secretary of State D. Kerry, threatened to exclude Russia from the G-8.
However, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier opposed the proposal for expulsion. As for Putin, he spoke on March 9 not only with Cameron, but also with Angela Merkel. According to the latter The upcoming Crimean referendum is “illegitimate” because it does not comply with the norms of Ukrainian legislation and international law. Like Cameron, A. Merkel would like to create an international contact group. The German Chancellor stressed the need to urgently achieve significant results towards the formation of a “contact group”.
Press Service of the President of Russia in response noted the “Differences in assessments of what is happening.” V. Putin "stressed that the steps taken by the legitimate leadership of Crimea are based on the norms of international law and are designed to ensure the legitimate interests of the population of the peninsula."
All this shows direct and obvious differences in the positions of Russia and Germany (which, in matters of "legitimacy," brilliantly converges with Britain). At the same time, in some German circles in recent weeks, the great economic thought is repeated that the largest trading partner in the East is not Russia, but “democratic neighbors”: Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Their Axel Springer, author of opinion paper in «Die Welt», calls "emerging economies." Hence the “common” policy of the Germans and Poles: “stabilize” Ukraine, bringing it to a state of “legal certainty”. Such a strategy seems to be viable to the author. And Germany could do more, says Springer.
As for the Kremlin, according to the author, he “intends to destabilize the new Ukraine.” Ukraine, the journalist writes, has suffered more than any other country under the Soviets and the Nazis. In the Kremlin, and today they continue to believe that Ukraine should not continue to go its own way towards a bright European future, complete self-determination and other delights. Approximately this conclusion makes Springer.
In all German newspapers, the Crimean problem is called the same: “Krim-Krise”. This phrase is often placed near the headlines. And what is especially interesting here is that if the authorities and their mouthpieces in the media trumpet "illegitimacy" and repeat ducks about the invasion of Russian troops in Ukrainian cities and villages as arguments, then the German people seem to overlook the governments and the press differently. From the latest polls, it suddenly turned out that while the authorities and its hirelings-hirelings are talking about "contact groups", "illegitimacy" and "destabilization", ordinary German burghers stand on the side of Russia. While European politicians are discussing the introduction of sanctions against Russia, the citizens of Germany are “voting” for Moscow!
Correspondent "Kommersant" Galina Dudina even had to call to Berlin to get information about how plausible the data of the poll of the newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, conducted through the website of the publication. The fact is that, out of almost 12, thousands of participants in the survey 80% supported the opinion of the "duplicity of criticism from the West and the protection of Russia's legitimate interests". The figures of the opponents of Russia are insignificant.
For “military intervention on the side of Ukraine”, only 4% of respondents spoke. As many more voted to exclude Russia from G-8. "Diplomatic solution" supported 12%.
The editors of Der Tagesspiegel did not confirm that all respondents voted from the territory of Germany. The Kommersant journalist was told that “in order to protect the users' data, the editorial office does not collect information about their location”.
Here it is necessary to make a reservation. It would seem that there is nothing easier than to look at the Der Tagesspiegel website and see all the polls. However, it turned out the following: A poll in which many supported Russia was removed from the site. The fact that he was really deleted was confirmed by commentators from other publications (this will be discussed below).
A little earlier, the newspaper Der Tagesspiegel conducted a survey jointly by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and a major newspaper «Die Welt». Interviewed top managers of German companies; A total of 163 people participated in the survey.
Almost 66 percent of respondents believe that the West should help Ukraine financially sick: after all, this country is on the verge of national bankruptcy. Kiev, according to a newspaper note, turned to the International Monetary Fund for help, and Russia, the “great neighbor,” does not want to give Ukraine the billions that it promised to give earlier in the form of loans.
It was also found out during the survey that almost 59% of top managers find the stability of Ukraine to be very important in the context of the overall security of Europe. Almost seven percent of respondents expressed concern that the Ukrainian crisis would affect the global economy.
15 percent of executives polled reject Western assistance and declare that it should not compete with Russia for influence in Ukraine.
And a little more than 15% are afraid that Europe will not be able to get any benefits for itself, giving billions of help to a sick country.
Thus, approximately 30% of the surveyed top managers completely rejected the idea of Western aid to Ukraine.
And here is another poll whose results are published in the influential newspaper «Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung». This survey was organized by the Infratest Dimap Institute on the request of the ARD television company for the Deutschlandtrend program. The survey results were released on March 6. Illustrating the survey, the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” placed on the strip a satirical picture with the “Gala-Konzert der Don Kosaken” poster, next to which there are two pensioners and ponder Is not going to comrade Putin to return the GDR.
Going to the site of the Institute Infratest dimap. An 1003 participant older than 18 years (representative random sample, telephone or computer interview) took part in the survey.
According to the survey, almost two thirds of Germans (65%) believe that a peaceful solution to the conflict is possible. The fact that Ukraine will be divided in two, said 31%.
To the direct question “Konflikt zwischen Russland und der Ukraine:" answered “right” 32% of respondents. 60% believes that this statement is "false."
In resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Germans rely primarily on diplomacy from Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Steinmeier. It is also quite obvious that the German people are skeptical of such a crisis mediator as Mr. Obama.
58% of respondents believe that the European Union and the German federal government should fundamentally support Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. However, less than four out of ten are advised to intervene in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
62% of respondents advocate greater political pressure from the West against Russia. At the same time, economic sanctions as a lever of influence are mostly met by respondents critically (the ratio of 38 versus 57 percent). Excluding Russia due to the current crisis from G-8 wants 19%. And finally, 7 percent believes that the time has come to completely abandon political relations with Russia.
Back to the site «Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung». The newspaper reminds that the share of respondents who consider Russia to be a reliable partner decreased by three percentage points to 15 percent. This is the lowest recorded value to date in the “Deutschlandtrend”.
The comments of the Germans on this article are also curious.
Rolf weser doubts about the "two-thirds." Roland Müller writes that war is just as unlikely as "the Greek state budget without debt." Cornelius fiala reminds of 2003: this year the United States invaded even without a UN mandate in Iraq. But there is no reason to start the Third World War, the author writes a commentary. The NATO member countries are right there, and Putin will not stretch his hands to Ukraine: he is “too smart,” and he “knows his limits for sure.” The same commentator says that from time immemorial the military fist gives far more than a bag full of “norms of international law”.
Wolfgang frei points out the difference between public and published opinion. The program ARD channel commentator calls a direct continuation of the practice, which is used for weeks. We are talking about one-sided coverage of the situation in Ukraine and Russia - in short, propaganda. ARD unilaterally covers the events on the "Maidan". The fact that the protesters opened fire on the security forces beat the special forces with batons and sticks and threw bottles with incendiary mixture, of course, did not criticize ...
Jan van gemmerenreferring to the online survey “Tagesspiegel” (see above), reminds that the overwhelming majority of participants chose the answer “Criticism of the West is hypocritical, Russia protects legitimate interests” but This survey data was removed from the Tagesspiegel website on the same day. (“Allerdings wurde diese ungeschönte Umfrage am selben Tag noch vom Tagesspiegel wieder von seiner Webpage entfernt”).
So the German opinion was divided. Tabloid "Bild" I tried to approach the matter from objective points of view.
Does the West really have any chance against Vladimir Putin? This question — no more, no less — asked for the publication.
Is the West dependent on the raw materials Putin sells?
Well, the United States does not even have oil and gas reserves, this country is provided from sources in the Arab world. True, gas and oil are now being extracted from shale in the USA by fracking. But Western Europe still depends on oil and gas from Russia. Germany, for example, satisfies as much 35% of its demand for oil and gas from Russian sources. At the same time, Russia depends on foreign exchange transactions with Western Europe. 80% of its oil and gas supplies are sold to Russians in the EU. And half of all imports to Russia come from the EU. Dependence is easy to trace.
Well, what's inside Russia: do the Russians themselves approve of the campaign that Putin started against Ukraine?
Apparently not, the correspondent replies. In a recent survey commissioned by the Kremlin and conducted at the end of February, 73% of Russian respondents opposed interference in Ukrainian affairs, and only 15% were in favor. Protests against the “Putin war”, the author writes, spread throughout the country.
Can Putin even allow himself to invade?
Definitely not! Russia's economy is weakening: a gigantic empire is threatened by recession. The ruble is at a record low, its value has fallen by 2013 percent since autumn 14 of the year against the euro. The stock market in Moscow is slipping. Experts expect as a result of total losses in the amount of 44 billion euros - this is even more than Putin spent on the Olympic Games in Sochi!
Well, and allies? Does Putin still have allies against Ukraine?
Not! Even Kazakhstan is no longer counted, it is against violence. And China also clearly stated: "We respect the freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."
Can the West weaken Putin?
Yes! The United States and Europe can block foreign accounts of wealthy Russians and refuse them entry to the West. Who are we talking about? These are oligarchs, politicians, top managers — all are Putin's friends ... They are investing their money in Zurich, London and the Caribbean. Their women love shopping in Paris, New York, Berlin, Milan. And their offspring, the correspondent writes, receives education in Western universities: Stanford, Harvard, Oxford ...
Maybe Putin is stronger than NATO?
Not. Although NATO today fears any intervention and does not dare to run into a fire of nuclear war. but in an emergency, the forces of the West will be much greater. In Russia, 800000 people "stand under arms," the journalist writes. But only soldiers from the USA, England and France - about 1,8 million. The same applies to airplanes / helicopters: 22000 from the West and 4000 from Russia. Warships: 660 (West) versus 350 (Russia). By tanks (15500) Russians are superior to the West (France, England, USA possess 9000). However, most Russian tanks have to go to landfill, the author concludes.
Here is a deal described in the newspaper "Bild".
Also in the German and in general the Western European press write that the EU is about to impose sanctions against Russia. At the same time, Foreign Minister Steinmeier warned those who are enthusiastic about “punitive measures” against Moscow. After all, economic sanctions will cause damage to both parties. It is clear that Russia will get more, which will be in real "self-isolation".
As for the USA, its activation near Ukraine was well described by one 20-year-old resident of Berlin with Stuttgarter Platz. This guy, Vladimir Pfeifle, works on display of goods in the supermarket "Russia" ("Rossia"). For him, the outcome of the conflict is quite predictable: “Ukraine will be divided. The United States wants access to the Black Sea, they want to surround Russia ... "
And the American revitalization, I should add, is already going too far ... March 8, on International Women's Day, the inimitable Sarah Palin spoke at the "Conference of Conservative Political Action" and suggested Mr Obama’s specific method of containing Russia:
“Mr. President, the only thing that stops a bad guy with a nuclear bomb is a good guy with a nuclear bomb.”
In her opinion, Barack Obama encouraged Vladimir Putin with his soft policy:
“The inability to make peace with power has allowed some very, very, very bad guys to succeed.”
These are geopolitical advice.
Well, in conclusion, the paragraph about the Ukrainian opinion of Britain - a faithful ally of America. As notes Kommersant, 50% of survey participants, organized by YouGov for the Sunday Times, are convinced that the Ukrainian crisis affects not only Kiev and Moscow, but also London. The same 50% stated that they “more support” the new government of Ukraine. 34% "do not support any of the parties." Russia is “more supported” by only 3%. The idea of economic sanctions against Moscow is also popular with the British: 42% of the respondents favored it. Nevertheless, the warriors of foggy Albion do not rush into battle: only 15% craves to help Kiev with military power. Other desperate little heads are even ready to "send troops into Russia" - there were 11% such.
So, Russia's top geopolitical opponents in the Ukrainian situation are the United States and Britain. The Anglo-Saxons are talking about all sorts of demarches (for example, regarding the Paralympic Games or scheduled ministerial meetings), the “freezing” of relations, the exclusion of Russia from the G8. The EU is talking about economic sanctions. Germany is cautious: the sanctions may go sideways because Russia supplies it with a lot of gas (Germany satisfies 35% of its demand for oil and gas from Russian sources). However, spring is outside ...
The Tagesspiegel newspaper conducted a survey of readers in which the overwhelming majority of respondents chose the answer “Criticism of the West is hypocritical, Russia protects its legitimate interests” (80%). However, the data from this amazing survey was removed from the Tagesspiegel website on the same day that German readers noticed and criticized.
Meanwhile, according to another poll, 11% of the British (not otherwise, energized by something strong in the morning) approved the introduction of troops to Russia, and Sarah Palin, speaking at a "Conference of Conservative Political Action," suggested Obama to play with nuclear weapons, reminding the "bad guy" Putin, who is the owner of the Earth ...
- Oleg Chuvakin
- Greser & Lenz, www.faz.net
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