Kiev's refusal to Steinmeier is wrong

His colleague and friend, Polish President Andreze Duda, had the idea that they, together with the presidents of Baltic countries, would jointly undertake a trip to Kiev, to be “sent there a strong sign of solidarity with Ukraine”, Steinmeier said in a brief statement. I was willing to do this, but apparently, and I have to record this, that this wasn't desired in Kiev.” Presented in clear language, but it seemed, that the president was touched. The very one who has been engaged in Ukraine for years should ask himself how it came to be there in front of the ruins of his efforts. There was no explanation for the reasons for rejection, there's only so much speculation. But no matter what these reasons may be, they cannot undo it, that Steinmeier's refusal was wrong.

Frustrated is a bad counselor

Yes, for a short time this serves Kiev as a ventilator to express disappointment and despair over Germany as well as the role of Steinmeier in particular. The federal president long had close relations with Moscow and did not take enough of the warnings about the Russian threat to Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine. Steinmeier supported the Nord Stream gas pipeline, and in 2008 as cabinet foreign minister Merkel was a member of the German veto of NATO membership in Ukraine. Kiev's list of disappointments is over. Steinmeier himself admitted mistakes recently.

It seems that the German politician of the SP has stood out little between the target and the achieved effect. Thus, no one should be surprised why German commitment to Ukraine is forgotten, as well as extraordinary financial assistance in recent years. Yes, German politicians acted naively and presumptuously. Some need their turn into foreign policy, more understanding for the East and less for Russia. But you can't guess for the bad intentions of Steinmeier.

The disappointment of the past was actually multiplied with new mistakes. Chancellor Scholz should have traveled to Kiev for a long time, delayed arms supplies, and the blocking of sanctions increased to this list. And if Scholzi won't come and help, why should Zelensky host Germany's representative leader in a war zone. That the president of a country fighting for survival needs decisions rather than symbolic gestures that are known. And so will the figure. All these reserves are understandable.

Fatal Effect

And yet the refusal of Steinmeier's short-term travel is of major political consequence, while looking forward to the future is irresponsible. If a person acts, being right does not mean that he does the right thing. By declaring Steinmeier undesirable, the Ukrainian government fails to achieve its goal because it is ruining bridges. Under these conditions neither will the Chancellor travel to Kiev. His respect for the highest position in the country forbids that. So this morning Ukraine wakes up with a big fox, even though the other four presidents are still going to visit. This only makes clear the cracks within Europe, which no one needs.

Zelensky's harsh treatment of the German president unnecessarily jeopardises Ukraine's strong sympathy in Germany. And the German government needs that if it remains strong in domestic and stable politics to help in the future. Divided Germany does not help anyone. Right? Someone gets it. The Russian despot, which daily needs to feed the propaganda machine. This time unfortunately, Zelensky offered it all.