Kaliningrad crisis: is Putin attacking NATO country Lithuania? (Video)

Watch the video: Is Putin attacking NATO country Lithuania? stern expert assesses the Kaliningrad crisis.

Gernot Kramper (star) It can be bad that countries like Estonia and Lithuania try to impose the course on the US, France, Germany and Great Britain. // That would also trigger the alliance, the direct alliance and would lead to NATO countries intervening directly in battles. And not only in the Baltic States, but probably in the Ukraine as well.

Hendrik Holdmann (star) Lithuania itself says that it is only implementing the EU sanctions and is thus effectively cutting off Kaliningrad from important goods. In your opinion, how likely is it that Russia will also attack other countries – like Lithuania in this example?

Gernot Kramper (star) I think it is very unlikely that Putin will attack the Baltic States. That won’t happen, the Russian military isn’t that strong. That would also trigger the case of an alliance, the direct case of an alliance, and would result in NATO states intervening directly in battles. And not only in the Baltic States, but probably in the Ukraine as well. That’s a dam break. That’s why I think it’s absurd. Another question, of course, is: How should one evaluate this now? Many people say yes: we are too hesitant, the French are too hesitant. But the Poles and the Baltics, who know where to go, set the direction and are pushing us. You can see it like this. But basically one has to say: Ukraine is supported by a group of states or a loose group of states. And if some of these states now believe that they can set the pace for all the others. Of course it will be difficult because this is not a joint action – especially when these are partners who are very determined but ultimately also very small. So you have to say it like that. So it can be bad that countries like Estonia or Lithuania try to impose the course on the USA, France, Germany and Great Britain. That’s why I’m personally critical of whether these tightenings are really that good. But this is not only a military question, it is also a political question. There is also the question: our federal government is also dependent on the population supporting the course, especially if it is backed by economic costs. We don’t live in China or Russia, where you can practically manipulate public opinion or sit it out. And there is a lot of criticism of our federal government. But the chancellor also has the task of gathering the majority of the population behind his policy on such a question. And that, I think, is more successful. Even if you sometimes get the impression on talk shows that we would all like to see more involvement in Ukraine, when I take to the streets there I wouldn’t hear it like that. So it’s more of a political question. But back to your answer. There will be no direct military answer. So he’s not marching into the Baltic now. You can’t do that either.

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