Putin’s German Choir

In the story leading up to the war in Ukraine, there is a question about why so many in Germany were ready to listen to Russia’s arguments. If the U.S. has any insight into this, it would be a good idea for them to let the public know.

Three hundred million dollars is a pretty penny to pay for the information war, but Vladimir Putin has long seen it as a good investment. Particularly in Europe, there was a dependable chorus that delivered every red herring, distortion, and lie from the Kremlin’s propaganda into the debate leading up to Feb. 24.

Some members of this choir were officially listed on Russian payrolls, including a former German chancellor who still remains on the list, or getting credit from Moscow, like the National Front in France. The think tanks and foundations that U.S. intelligence agencies are now reporting on were no less influential.

Putin’s Sword Has Grown Dull

The story leading up to the war in Ukraine includes the unresolved question of why Russian arguments in Germany, too, were so much more readily received than those from the many experts who warned us about Putin. If the Americans could provide some insight into this, it would be good for them to let the public know.

Putin has suffered numerous setbacks in the wake of his invasion, and it has blunted his sword. The reality of the war is so powerful that he has to hide it even from his own people.

Nevertheless, he will continue to manipulate Western countries, and for that he can count on several politicians who are apparently incorrigible, from German Left Party member Sahra Wagenknecht to Italian hard-liner Matteo Salvini. A free society may have to endure this but it does not have to follow along.