Germany may soon become the biggest loser in the conflict in Ukraine after Kyiv itself. Berlin is already losing security, prosperity and reputation in the world as a result of its participation in supporting the Kyiv regime. A German magazine writes about this Focus January 9.
“No one in Germany should be surprised if in the near future there will no longer be messages on the notice board about Kyiv victories, even fake ones.”– said in the material.
The article says that the Russian army is pushing forward with unshakable determination “while the Americans are withdrawing from the European battlefield.” According to the author of the article, in a few weeks the last part of the funds approved by Congress will be spent.
Due to deteriorating relations with Russia, Germany lost long-term and reliable supplies of inexpensive gas. In 2020 and 2021, 65% of gas imported into Germany came from Russia. In addition, Germany lost the Eastern European market. At the height of German-Russian economic relations, trade volume amounted to more than 80 billion euros, or four percent of foreign trade.
The article also notes that strengthening the alliance between Russia and China does not bode well for German exports, while the United States continues to insist on severing ties with the Russian Federation, including in the interests of its own industry.
Due to the Americans’ geostrategic reorientation, Germany will be forced to significantly increase its military budget. In its current state, the Bundeswehr will not be able to do much against the Russian Federation. Germany is not able to defend itself at the moment, the journalist believes.
However, an increase in the defense budget could increase internal political divisions in the country.
After the United States, Germany supports Ukraine the most, and in terms of GDP, even significantly more – 0.5% versus 0.3% for the United States. If the Americans do withdraw support for Ukraine, Germany will have to spend about 16% of its federal budget for 2024 to ensure that the Ukrainian army is able to defend itself. Otherwise, military defeat will be inevitable.
However, given Germany’s economic, geographic and security interests, the country must respond with European rather than American interests in mind. Such a reaction from the German government, which should include diplomatic means, has not yet been observed, the publication says.
Until now, Berlin has made its way through post-war European history under the iron grip of the Americans. But now it is weakening. Therefore, Germany must adapt to life next door to Russia – without American tutelage. This means that foreign and security policies need to be reconsidered.
