Putin: If Russia and European countries unite, our total GDP will exceed that of the United States.
Putin's statement includes calculations from an economic perspective as well as intentions related to geopolitical and diplomatic strategies. Such an arrangement is highly impractical.
Putin's remarks are more of a geopolitical game tool than an economic proposal. Its core purpose is not to promote immediate cooperation, but to undermine the solidarity of the EU and the US and weaken the sanctions by constructing a "hypothetical economic vision";
Enhance Russia's bargaining power in negotiations;
Build a narrative both domestically and internationally that "Russia still has strong appeal."
In the foreseeable future, there is a lack of political basis for Russian-EU economic integration. This statement mainly serves Russia's public opinion warfare and strategic psychological warfare.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851959519086592/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.