Ulrich Speck: There is, especially on the German left, surprisingly little solidarity with Ukrainians

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ulrich.speck/posts/10201336543685230

Debating the Ukraine crisis in Germany means, to a large extent, countering the Kremlin’s propaganda with facts.

It is astonishing how easy this propaganda enters into the German mainstream.

Many Germans are ready to distrust America, and ready to trust Russia.

There is a strong ideological element at play, which goes against all German interests and historical experience. It’s Westbindung that brought Germany the best decades in its history: free, rich and safe. America’s guidance and it’s security umbrella became key for German well-being.

One would expect that Germans would welcome others who aspire as well to enter into the zone of liberal order, as they want to be free, safe and prosperous too – in from the cold.

But there is, especially on the German left, surprisingly little solidarity with Ukrainians. Much more solidarity with the kleptocrats who exploit and rule Russia.