"They Won’t Let Us Have a Peaceful World Cup" - Russian Experts Believe West Is Waiting to Strike
Here's an interesting one. Sky News, CBS, channels all around the world were broadcasting fragments of the inauguration. But despite the neutral nature of the broadcast, we can predict the international reaction. We understand that we'll have to deliver on those ambitious targets under rather complicated geopolitical circumstances.
- The Washington Post wrote today that during his several terms Putin did nothing to ease tensions and mend relations with the international community. We're perfectly aware of the fact that the international community is continuing to exert pressure. For example, the sanctions, or our complicated relationship with the US-led coalition in Syria, or the Skripal case, or many other issues. Borisov is starting to draw attention. A question for you: What's the outlook of our relations?
Vladimir Shamanov, member of State Duma: First, it's worth saying that we have a certain image of Putin in our society. First, he's the reliable guarantor of our stability. Our ancestors used to say: "Everything but the war".
- That's true.
- As our Commander-in-Chief and President who guarantees the peaceful development of our society, he's handled his mission perfectly well. Without admitting to the claim that they defeated ISIL in Syria and many other things. But for our society, as opposed the West, the events of greatest importance were the triggering Skripal-incident and those fake stories about Syria that have been selling like hot cakes. What's that all about, you might ask. Today, their triangular policy of triple standards which they used to show their superiority over us has burst like a bubble. In these circumstances, Putin is the guarantor who will head our country's development in the spheres he mentioned in his speech. Yes, it won't be simple but it's possible and my colleagues have confirmed that.
Now, the second challenge that we'll have to face. As members of parliament, we are worried about having no contact with our counterparts. All efforts of the State Duma and the Federation Council to establish direct contact with Europe and the US encounter total rejection. And that's the main change to our relations with the West that we'll have to adapt to as members of parliament.
- But what if they don't want things to change?
- That's for you to answer because the circumstances are complex indeed. Please, tell us, are there any encouraging aspects?
Alexander Rahr, German political scientist: I'll list them.
- Merkel's visit, Macron's visit, we're expecting a visit to Austria the beginning of the construction of the Nord Stream.
- These are the positive signals. Have you seen whose hands Putin shook? After his inauguration, he shook three hands. The Patriarch — spiritual power.
- Dmitry Medvedev.
- The government. And Schröder, as the representative of the international community. The German isn’t just his friend, he's a symbol. I believe the situation is gradually changing. Skripal and Syria aren't mentioned as frequently anymore. Here's what we must focus on now. We should work together with Germany in the digital sphere instead of competing.
- Sorry, but we have our orders.
- We were ordered to cooperate. Germany, France, and Italy will invest in our industry. The US doesn't have to invest if it doesn't want to. There's a single diplomatic event that must definitely be held. Frankly speaking, it's the FIFA World Cup. Thousands of people will come here and see Russia for the first time in their lives. If the World Cup is successful and it will be, although Russia might not get into the finals there's a chance that after meeting Putin in Sochi on May 18, Merkel will come here again to watch the finals if Germany plays there. Anyway, the process will continue.
- It's almost like you're imposing conditions.
- Kosachev calls it "intricate diplomacy".
- After that, we must return to Dimitri's proposition. We've been talking about that for five years. Medium-size businesses in Germany are waiting to be invited by Russian companies again. I understand that Russia is a resource-based economy. Germany doesn't have gas and oil. But Russia has, and we need it.
- But it's President Trump who prohibits you to cooperate with Russia.
- Yes, the US does that. If you read the German press you'll see that the heads of the Landtags urge German ministers to lift the sanctions.
- But these are just the Landtags.
- Yes, but we are a Federation.
- Are advocating for that too, Alexander?
- And the main thing is that our Foreign Minister got a rap on the knuckles from his own party due to criticizing Germany's Eastern policy. And there are numerous examples, the same thing's happening in Austria. The situation's changing in France, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria. Even Trump doesn't mind meeting with Putin, but Congress won't let him. So you must exploit this soccer event in order to make the main breakthrough and it will be fine. Or, at least, okay.
- Vyacheslav Alekseyevich?
Vyacheslav Nikonov, member of State Duma:
- Speaking about our economy in both his address and decree, Putin focused on our independent development. The events of the past few years have shown that our contact points with foreign capital and foreign interests induce complications. So we should definitely accelerate our domestic development. Let them invest if they want to. But we shouldn't rely on their investments. In recent years, the Russian economy wasn't supported much by foreign investments. Instead, we funded the Western economies. The capital was flowing outwards instead of flowing in. You were right when you said that the capital was flowing out of Russia. We have enough money, we should make it work here, in Russia. It's good that the West is helping us with its sanctions, especially against our oligarchs freezing all the shady accounts that our citizens have abroad. This money is more reliable in terms of our economy than the money medium-size German businesses can offer. It's not our strength, but rather our weakness. We should use foreign investments when we have an opportunity. But we must focus on our internal capabilities.
Regarding the FIFA World Cup, I'd like to remind you, that the day the Beijing Olympics started a conflict burst out in Ossetia. During the Sochi Olympics, the Ukrainian government was overthrown. Frankly speaking, I doubt that they'll let us hold the World Cup successfully. It'll still be successful. But they'll try their best to prevent Russia from benefiting from it. That's a pity.