The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, characterized Russia as an ‘economic dwarf’ in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais, stating that it lacks the global influence of countries like China. He also asserted that the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, has faced failure in waging a war against Ukraine.
“China is not Russia. China is a true geopolitical player, while Russia is an economic dwarf, akin to a gas station whose owner possesses a nuclear bomb,” stated Borrell.
According to him, Russia has suffered military setbacks, as Putin’s initial intention of conducting a swift blitzkrieg in Ukraine has shifted to a defensive position, where the Russian forces are predominantly situated. Borrell believes that the Russian dictator has made numerous mistakes.
Europe has practically reduced its dependence on Russian gas, and after the incident involving the poisoning of Navalny, it became clear that Putin had lost his monopoly on the use of force within the country, explained Borrell.
“Putin is willing to sacrifice his people and his army for the sake of his personal and political survival, which is why it is so difficult to conduct peaceful negotiations,” said the head of European diplomacy.