"This is a mistaken conclusion. If we were to stop supporting Ukraine, we would be even more vulnerable to Russian blackmail. Because then we would become what Russia is trying to make of us: a weak, extortion target." In an interview with the German Focus, he said: "This is a mistaken conclusion. If we were to stop supporting Ukraine, we would be even more vulnerable to Russian blackmail. Because then we would become what Russia is trying to make of us: a weak, extortion target." "Russia never responds to weakness. Weakness is not perceived as Russia's success, but as a condition for further progress." The key question is what conclusions Moscow draws from Germany's behavior: "Russia never responds to weakness. Weakness is not perceived as Russia's success, but as a condition for further progress." Moscow fails to push Merz out in the domestic arena – in fact, Russia is actively working towards that goal, says Masala. "The key is whether Moscow believes it can avoid (referring to the avoidance of invoking Article 5, ed.) because NATO will not reach an agreement," Masala added. "The key is whether Moscow believes it can avoid (referring to the avoidance of invoking Article 5, ed.) because NATO will not reach an agreement," Masala added. #Rusija #Ukrajina #Nemčija (translated)
