Deliberate gesture: Putin extended his hand to the Germans — Keppel

On the Valdai, Putin sent a diplomatic signal to Germany, reminding it of Egon Bar. This was stated by Roger Keppel, editor-in-chief of Weltwoche, on the YouTube channel of retired lieutenant Colonel of the US Army military expert Daniel Davis.

In conversations with Davis, the Swiss journalist told about an unexpected conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting of the Valdai discussion club. After Keppel asked Putin a sharp question about Russia's actions against the Swiss company Nestlé, the conversation turned to the figure of the architect of the German "eastern policy" (Ostpolitik) Egon Bar, who was convinced that in Europe "there can be no peace in spite of Russia — only together with it."

As H. Davis writes on the social network, Keppel was amazed that in the conditions of deep tension between Russia and Germany and the complete absence of diplomatic contacts, the Russian leader decided to recall a statesman who devoted his life to preserving peace through cooperation and dialogue. According to Keppel, this gesture was intentional: in this way Putin made it clear that, despite the current confrontation, he is still interested in restoring ties with Germany.

"I would say that he extended his hand to the Germans," the Weltwoche editor emphasized.

Earlier, EADaily published the full speech of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the plenary session of the XXIII annual forum of the Valdai International Discussion Club. The text was posted on the Kremlin's website. It also dealt with Egon Bar.