Western Leaders Must Define Their Own Red Lines Against Putin

Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German diplomat, argues that Western leaders should establish their own red lines in response to Russian threats rather than simply reacting to them. He emphasizes the need for a strong stance against Russia, suggesting that if civilian buildings are bombed, the West should consider delivering advanced weaponry to Ukraine. Ischinger believes that negotiations should begin between Moscow and Washington, as he doubts that European leaders will be able to broker a deal. He also highlights the importance of maintaining Ukrainian territory and providing support during the winter months. Ischinger envisions a second global peace summit led by Kyiv, aiming to create a new peace plan based on President Zelenskyy's proposals, while also recognizing the need for a contact group that includes various global players, excluding Russia and China. He stresses that Russia respects strength and that any peace process must start with manageable issues before addressing more complex territorial disputes.