“And if you think about it and assume that it will be true, then it means that the whole West has been helping Ukraine for nothing for a year,” Hammelburg says. “That’s what it boils down to. Billions of euros, the most advanced weapons and so on».
But, Hammelburg points out, there are two ways of thinking. The same should be done for the Russians. “You have to take that into account a little bit,” she continues. ‘You shouldn’t want to humiliate Russia all the time, or keep giving the impression that NATO is really acting against Russia. If the Russians feel too cornered, it could lead to desperate acts – like the nuclear option.’
Hammelburg believes there is something to be said for both lines of reasoning and that the proponents of tank deliveries are winning. “They will probably do it just like Poland.”
Lavrov
While the West is worried about possible upcoming offensives and the supply of tanks, the Russians are trying to keep warm relations with African countries. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is on a friendly visit to South Africa. “But it is also a preparation for the maritime exercises that the South Africans, together with the Russians and the Chinese, will hold near Durban”.
And especially the dates on which the exercises are held, Hammelburg calls remarkable. «That is, between 17 and 27 February. And that includes the 24th, the anniversary of the war,’ says Hammelburg. “South Africa also says it is neutral and maintains good relations with everyone, but the West is really shocked by this development. Nobody expected it.’