Transatlantic Coordinator: Russia's victory would not be in the interests of Republicans
In the event of a second Trump presidency, the external political interests of the USA may shift. However, it is also in the interest of the Republicans to prevent a Russian victory over Ukraine, says the Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government. This point must be emphasized repeatedly.
The Transatlantic Coordinator of the German government advises Europeans, in the event of a victory for the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, to maintain a constructive relationship with the new administration. Europeans should not lament or complain about Trump or his then-designated vice president J.D. Vance, said Michael Link on the sidelines of the Republican Party convention in Milwaukee. Instead, they should make it clear that the Ukraine conflict also concerns US interests.
"For if Russia wins in Ukraine, who then benefits? China," so the FDP politician. In conversations in the US, he hears constantly that the greatest challenge is China, "for some economically, for some militarily, for some in both respects." This point should be emphasized all the more on the Republican side.
Vance's appearance at the Munich Security Conference in February is still remembered, said Link. There are "really deep disagreements" regarding the Russian attack war against Ukraine. "Because he made it very clear there - in a clarity that one rarely hears from Trump - that we have no strategic interests in Ukraine."
Trump values "Deals" over alliances
To understand what is happening in the US, one must not only look at the White House or Trump, "who is certainly tonally and often in content quite unusual for us," said Link. Trump thinks not in alliances, but in "deals." One must focus on "bare hard numbers and interests" and cultivate contacts in various US states. He is already doing this. Even if there are many enthusiastic Trump supporters in Oklahoma or Texas, the Republican governors of these states are not interested in a trade war or a confrontation with Europe.
Regarding the upcoming US elections in November, Link urged caution against prematurely assuming a Trump victory. "The party I am experiencing here is a party that is almost in a virtually absolute victory mood," said Link. "Experience shows that a lot can still happen in four months." Several German politicians have traveled to Milwaukee for the current Republican Party convention, including the deputy chairman of the Union faction Jens Spahn.
The Transatlantic Coordinator also mentioned the role of China in the Ukraine conflict, stating that if Russia were to emerge victorious, it would benefit China. The Republicans, according to Link, acknowledge China as their greatest challenge, both economically and militarily.Link emphasized the importance of highlighting this point among the Republicans, as they engage in conversations within the United States.
Despite Trump's stance on alliances, Link emphasized the need to focus on building contacts in various US states, rather than simply looking at the White House or the President himself. This approach, Link suggested, could help avoid a trade war or confrontation with Europe, even with a significant number of Trump supporters in certain states.
During the Munich Security Conference in February, Vance, a potential vice president under a second Trump presidency, expressed disagreement with Russia's attack on Ukraine. Vance's clarity on this issue, according to Link, demonstrated a separation between Vance's stance and Trump's, suggesting that not all Republicans share Trump's views on Ukraine.
Link urged caution against assuming a Trump victory in the upcoming US elections, citing the Republicans' current confident mood and the four months remaining before the election. Despite this, Link emphasized the importance of remembering past election surprises and the unpredictability that often accompanies election outcomes.
