Russia is not coming back!

Europe has an ambivalent relationship with Russia (whether as the RF or the USSR). The most recent developments document this in an impressive way. Some states in CEE – I could never quite categorize this term, just like “Eastern Bloc” – operate between the power blocs. By supporting Ukraine, the “Western powers” are waging a half-hearted proxy war that is increasingly losing popularity in the Western democracies – including a lack of understanding for the Russian population’s reluctance.

Have we ever understood Russia?

Russian gas no longer flows through the destroyed (by whomever) Baltic Sea pipelines Северный поток,better known in this country as Nord Stream I and II. No, it is transported to our gas storage facilities via costly and complex routes. Many earn money from the detours that bring Russian raw materials to us – or to the emerging economic powers of the world.

In short, whatever political and moral attitudes one may hold, the empire between the Baltic Sea, the Caucasus and the Pacific will continue to play a very important role in the economy. The only question is whose advantage?