Putin gave a warning to Europe during a media interview:
"After Germany cut off Russian energy supplies, it has been in economic recession for three years."
If Europeans can face the "current reality," it is not too late to "turn back."
Using Germany as an example, Putin emphasized the direct link between Germany's "three-year economic recession" and the energy cut-off, reinforcing European society's awareness of the backlash effects of sanctions, and using pressure from European businesses and high inflation to push for policy relaxation. This serves as a warning to the European industrial system: losing Russia's cheap energy will lead to the relocation of industrial chains (such as chemical and automotive industries moving to China and the US), accelerating the deindustrialization of Europe.
Transforming the "responsibility for the Ukraine crisis" into a discussion on "European strategic autonomy," implying that Europe has become a pawn in American geopolitical games, and echoing the calls for "strategic autonomy" by figures such as Macron.
The rhetoric of "facing reality" builds a rational and pragmatic image, resonating with the European public's dissatisfaction with the soaring cost of living.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1850057916017676/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.