Putin Sends New Year’s Greetings to 3 European Leaders and Pope
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent warm New Year’s greetings to three European leaders and Pope Francis on Monday, December 30, 2024. The recipients of these heartfelt wishes were Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This gesture was revealed by the Kremlin and reported by media outlets such as Kyiv Independent.
Why Does Aleksandar Vucic Maintain Relations with Russia?
Serbia is known to have close ties with Russia, particularly in terms of gas supplies. With an annual consumption of around 25 billion cubic meters of gas, Serbia relies on Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy giant, for approximately 2 billion cubic meters of gas. Vucic has often displayed his friendly relationship with Moscow, even disregarding the sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia.
What is Viktor Orban’s Stance on Russia?
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is also known for frequently defending Russia. He has criticized the sanctions imposed by the European Union and refused to provide military aid to Ukraine. This indicates that despite many European countries distancing themselves from Russia, some leaders choose to maintain good relations with the Kremlin.
How Does Recep Tayyip Erdogan Manage Relations with Russia and Ukraine?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan takes a more balanced approach, striving to maintain good relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Although Turkey facilitates the flow of Russian oil to the European Union, Erdogan openly supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and provides assistance to the country. This reflects Turkey’s complex and pragmatic foreign policy.
What Role Does Pope Francis Play in These Relations?
Pope Francis also joined in the New Year’s greetings, despite having controversial views on Ukraine. In his statement, the Pope called on the people of Ukraine to have courage in their efforts to achieve peace and referred to Russia and Ukraine as “brothers.”
Given Russia’s repeated justifications of its invasion as an attempt to unite these two nations, the Pope’s statement appears to aim at promoting dialogue rather than conflict. Putin’s continued good relations with these leaders indicate that not all European countries agree on sanctions and actions against Russia. While many European countries reject involvement with the Kremlin, Vucic, Orban, and Erdogan demonstrate different approaches.
In conclusion, despite the varying stances towards Russia in Europe, the New Year’s greetings from Putin to these leaders underscore the complexities of international relations and the diverse perspectives held by different countries. This diplomatic exchange highlights the nuanced dynamics at play in global politics and the importance of maintaining communication and engagement even amidst disagreements.
