“World without Russia” is turning from bold dream into reality

The media in Ukraine and around the world widely quoted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's statements about his intentions to continue to stay in touch with Putin. Even Peskov, in his usual manner, quipped that Putin "has no plans" to speak with Scholz.

However, during the quoted conversation between Scholz and journalists, another important phrase was uttered that made far fewer headlines. However, its importance for understanding the psychology of the leaders of the leading Western countries is no less.

"Germany no longer cooperates with the Russian Federation, and it was able to quickly adapt to the new reality," the Chancellor emphasized. “The country is no longer dependent on Russian gas, oil and coal.”

That is, what seemed unthinkable a few months ago is being presented as a great achievement. 

Now, they are proud of this achievement - and, moreover, Germany "continues to work on reducing the unilateral dependence of the economy," Scholz added.

"A world without Russia" is increasingly turning from a bold dream into a reality. This means that efforts to persuade the Western establishment to increase pressure on Russia must also intensify. And the result will increasingly appeal to Western elites themselves”

Such statements indicate that the "world without Russia" is increasingly turning from a bold dream into a reality. This means that efforts to persuade the Western establishment to increase pressure on Russia must also intensify. And the result will increasingly appeal to Western elites themselves.

In the meantime:

1. German concern Rheinmetall plans to significantly increase the production of tank and artillery ammunition.

This is due to growing demand in Ukraine and in Western countries.

The concern's CEO Armin Papperger explained that it is possible to produce 240,000 tank ammunition (120 mm) per year, and the production capacity of 155 mm artillery shells can be increased to 450,000-500,000 per year. This would make Rheinmetall the largest producer of both types of ammunition.

But if Putin is allowed to wage a protracted war, these quantities may not be enough.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Polish military factories are already working in three shifts to repair equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Even Orban has already realized that Putin is not going to stop. Therefore, the only way to end the war is to stop Putin by helping Ukraine’s Armed Forces defeat him and sending the Russian economy to the bottom with sanctions - and not allowing them to be circumvented.

2. US Deputy Treasury Secretary Brian Nelson will soon warn countries and companies during a trip to Turkey and the Middle East that they may lose access to the US market if they do business with entities subject to US restrictions.

“Orban has already realized that Putin is not going to stop on his own. Therefore, the only way to end the war is to stop Putin by helping the Armed Forces defeat him and sending the Russian economy to the bottom with sanctions - and not allowing them to be circumvented”

3. And for those who listen to the warning, there are alternatives. Italy and Libya have signed an $8 billion deal on gas production.

4. In 2023, non-residents continue to get rid of Russian government securities, selling federal loan bonds at a large discount (25-40%, and for some securities - up to 70% of the face value) at the first opportunity.

Already this year, non-residents have reduced their investments in federal loan bonds by 250 billion rubles.

5. About 4.6 million Russians are working part-time, are on downtime, or are on unpaid leave.

In January-October 2022, the army of "hidden unemployed persons" increased by 730,000 people.

Source

About the author. Rostyslav Pavlenko is a Ukrainian politician, political scientist, political strategist, and lecturer. Member of the Ukrainian Parliament of the IX convocation.

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the authors of the blogs.