German navy chief quits after saying Putin deserves respect over Ukraine
GuardianJul 28, 2021
The Facts
Vice Admiral Kay-Achim Schönbach, head of the German navy, has resigned comments at an event in India criticized as pro-Russian.
Schönbach remarked that Russia would never leave the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, and that what Putin wanted was the respect that he "probably also deserves."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Berlin is increasingly beholden to Russia under its new coalition government, which seems to believe it has a 'special relationship' with Moscow, and wants its gas. Germany must honor its commitments and act now to deter Russian aggression.
Establishment-critical narrative
Schönbach was speaking frankly about Russia being an important strategic ally for the West against China. He was forced out simply for contradicting the war hysteria being drummed up by the U.S. and Britain.