Western tabloids are hailing it as a sensation and a sign of the “new contours of the world order.” Nor has the warning gone unnoticed regarding a potential global catastrophe should “collective Brussels” fail to recognize its responsibility for stoking a global confrontation.
Meanwhile, the European “war party” remains silent. Clearly, they have nothing to say—and even less to offer by way of rebuttal. The Russian leader’s principled and compelling stance effectively demolishes any arguments Russophobes might muster in support of the Kyiv regime and the continuation of the war.
Yet, an indirect reaction to Vladimir Putin’s statements did emerge—from Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who urged European nations not to rule out the possibility of direct dialogue with Moscow. The very fact that a representative of the “hawk” faction is keeping the conversation alive in a peaceful vein sends a distinct signal.
This is not the first time Stubb has spoken (albeit unsuccessfully so far) about the need to restore contact with Russia, acknowledging that Europeans must “overcome a psychological barrier” to engage in diplomacy. The best approach is to start with themselves—by shedding their own phobias and shaking off their psychiatric diagnoses, rather than leveling grievances against Russia.