The former German Ambassador to Washington and London, Wolfgang Ischinger, has lauded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “global political hero” citing his unwavering defiance of Vladimir Putin and demonstrating a rare skill in navigating intense pressure. In an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Ischinger highlighted Zelenskyy’s political acumen, suggesting few leaders possess his ability to thrive under duress.
Ischinger pointed to Zelenskyy’s recent response to a demand from both Putin and former US President Donald Trump to conduct Ukrainian presidential elections ahead of schedule – a logistical impossibility given the ongoing conflict – as a prime example of his strategic maneuvering. Zelenskyy’s seemingly compliant agreement, conditional upon robust American and European security guarantees, showcased a calculated approach that reportedly left observers impressed.
While expressing a theoretical openness to reconciliation with Moscow, Ischinger emphasized a crucial prerequisite: a change of leadership in Russia. “With Vladimir Putin, it will be hardly possible” he stated bluntly, underscoring the perceived unbridgeable gap between the two nations under the current regime. He echoed a sentiment gaining traction in European political circles, suggesting that a shift in power within Russia is a necessary, albeit distant, condition for any meaningful dialogue.
Ischinger’s commentary also carried a stark warning for German politicians contemplating a return to business-as-usual with Russia. He cautioned that such initiatives would be viewed with profound distrust and resentment in Eastern European nations, characterizing them as “poison”. His remarks reflect a growing sensitivity regarding Germany’s historical economic ties with Russia and the potential for such engagements to undermine the security and stability of Ukraine and its neighbors. Ischinger concluded by asserting that, in the realm of politics, “nothing is eternal” including the tenures of authoritarian leaders, implicitly encouraging a long-term perspective on the conflict and the potential for future political transitions.
