Russia is fighting for a different European order, not only to seize Ukraine — German expert
Former adviser to the German Minister of Defence and expert at the Munich Security Conference, Nico Lange, emphasised in an interview with TSN.ua that Russia’s war against Ukraine has a broader geopolitical context.
According to him, Putin is seeking not only control over Ukraine but influence across the entire European continent.
“This is not a war for Ukraine. It is a war for a different European order,” Lange said, adding that Europe cannot rely solely on the United States and must ensure its own security.
The expert stressed that the most reliable security guarantee for Ukraine is its own Defence Forces and membership in NATO. He also commented on the issue of security guarantees from the United States: the relevant documents have already been agreed at the presidential level and are awaiting approval by Congress, but they are not equivalent to NATO’s Article 5.
Lange noted that many details of a peace plan remain unresolved — in particular, mechanisms for responding to attacks and the rapid deployment of forces. At the same time, in his view, the progress achieved represents the maximum Ukraine could realistically expect.
“Peace in Europe will only come when Europe wins and deters Putin. Ukraine will play a key role in this,” the German expert concluded.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin commented on the conditions under which Russia could use nuclear weapons against Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would continue to pursue its “objectives” in Ukraine. According to him, Moscow is allegedly interested in a “sustainable peace”, but believes that Kyiv must change its approach. At the same time, Putin once again shifted responsibility for the war onto Ukraine and the West, Russian media reported.
