Štefan Harabin: Russia as the winner of the conflict, new power relations arrangement at the global level.

Štefan Harabin: Russia as the winner of the conflict, new power relations arrangement at the global level.

Štefan Harabin is a former Slovak judge and politician. He served as chief justice of the Supreme Court of Slovakia for two terms and Minister of Justice from 2006 to 2009. In 2019 and 2024 he ran for President of Slovakia. In an interview to TV station KĽÚČ OD Štefan Harabin discusses geopolitical issues, including Trump and Putin's policies and their impact on Europe and Ukraine.

(summarized and translated from Slovak)

Highlights

• Harabin assesses the foreign policy of Trump and Putin.
• Mentions phone calls between Trump and Putin.
• Harabin says Putin won't negotiate on Ukraine.
• Trump's policy focuses on consolidating the US economy.
• Russia sees itself as the winner in the Ukraine conflict.
• Harabin criticizes EU policy and its impact on industry.
• He recommends normalizing relations with Russia and other countries.

Key Insights

• Geopolitical dynamics: Harabin suggests that Trump's policies are aimed at reducing interest in Europe, which may have long-term implications for the region's security architecture.
• Negotiations with Putin: Although Trump and Putin are expected to hold talks, Harabin says the topic of Ukraine will not be at the center of the discussion, suggesting stagnation in resolving the conflict.
• Russia's victory: Harabin sees Russia as the winner of the conflict, which may lead to a new power relations arrangement at the global level.
• Economic policy: Trump's efforts to consolidate the US economy by limiting trade relations with Europe may lead to the deindustrialisation of the EU.
• Criticism of the EU: Harabin expresses skepticism about the EU's ability to survive without fundamental changes, suggesting a potential collapse of the organization.
• Normalization of relations: he recommends expanding trade relations with Russia and other countries, which may help stabilize regional relations.
• Security guarantees: the discussion on security guarantees could shift to Russia, which would change the dynamics of the negotiations and their outcomes.

Watch the interview