Former German Ambassador to Moscow: Remember this about Putin if you negotiate with Russia

Rüdiger von Fritsch, Germany's former ambassador to Moscow, has engaged directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin around 20 times. This extensive experience has provided him with deep insight into the Russian leader's negotiation tactics, particularly what he describes as a "good cop, bad cop" approach.

Fritsch's warning suggests that Russia, under Putin's leadership, employs a calculated strategy in international diplomacy. This involves presenting different faces or approaches during negotiations, potentially to confuse or manipulate counterparts.

His advice to remember this tactic is crucial for any nation or leader preparing to engage in discussions with Moscow. Understanding this potential duality in negotiation styles could be key to navigating complex diplomatic situations and achieving favorable outcomes.

The former ambassador's insights come at a time of heightened global tensions, where diplomatic channels are critical for de-escalating conflicts and fostering stability. His experience offers a valuable perspective on how to approach such sensitive discussions.