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🇦🇹 Austria /Conflict & Security

Diplomat Ischinger: “Putin understands Germany could be the vulnerable link in the chain”

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Munich Security Conference Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger warned of an autumn with potential for escalation involving Russia and Europe.
  • He said a weakened Russia could be particularly dangerous and that Germany might become a vulnerable link in the chain.
  • Ischinger called for greater conventional military capability in Europe and discussions about extending the French and British nuclear umbrellas across the continent.

Wolfgang Ischinger is warning of an uncomfortable autumn in Europe, with Russia capable of creating pressure points that could escalate.

The chairman of the Munich Security Conference said Russian “needle pricks” could expose weaknesses, arguing that President Vladimir Putin understands Germany could become “the vulnerable link in the chain.” Ischinger also warned that a Russia growing weaker could be especially dangerous.

Putin understands that Germany could be the vulnerable link in the chain.

— Wolfgang IschingerIschinger warned that Germany could represent a weakness in Europe’s security structure.

Speaking to Der Standard on the sidelines of the European Forum Alpbach, Ischinger called for Europe to strengthen conventional deterrence. He said Austria, too, should take part in building up that capability.

Ischinger, whose diplomatic career included dealing with the Soviet Union, advised governments to meet quietly and announce results only when they have something concrete to report. He also urged negotiations on extending the French and British nuclear umbrellas to cover Europe as a whole.

One should meet quietly and discreetly and make announcements when there are successes to report.

— Wolfgang IschingerIschinger offered advice on conducting difficult diplomacy.
About this summary

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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