Russia has once again behaved like a Great Power

The reaction to Russia's recognition of the LPR and DPR is quite expected. At the same time, it has become an obvious manifestation of the infantilism of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his immaturity as a politician.

His late-night call to US President Joe Biden is reminiscent of Yeltsin's call to Bush Sr. immediately after the signing of the Belovezh Accords. Zelensky and Biden's nighttime communication has become a symbol of the confusion and helplessness not only of the Kiev regime, but also of the American hegemon.

However, if Zelensky's actions did not bring any new features to his image and were predictable, then the steps taken by European leaders have significantly changed our perceptions of them. Previously, we could talk about principled, but adequate opponents. Today we see politicians who are completely destroying the economic sovereignty of Europe, turning it into a colony of the United States.

It is obvious that the decision of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to freeze the certification of Nord Stream 2 will lead precisely to this. Against the background of sky-high gas prices, this looks like a real blow to the pocket of the Germans. After all, according to economists, an increase in gas exports by only 20% would lead to a twofold reduction in prices for natural gas in Germany.

While now Germany, and the whole of Europe, are turning into almost a colonial market for American LNG. In fact, the economic robbery of Europe and, above all, Germany by the United States, disguised by anti-Russian sanctions, begins.

This scenario, which has been discussed by experts for a long time, will obviously give the American economy new opportunities, a "second wind" against the backdrop of economic difficulties experienced by the US and unusually high inflation for Americans. Whereas the Europeans will be turned into serfs, forced to serve the American hegemon.

At the same time, Berlin's actions were not a surprise to the Russian leadership. Our agreements on the eastern direction have prepared a reliable economic rear for Russia.

Suffice it to say that the volume of gas contracts with China today amounts to 48 billion cubic meters per year - and this is almost as much as it was possible to pump through the Nord Stream 2 at maximum load (55 billion cubic meters per year).

Of course, it will not be easy for our country in the face of a new round of sanctions pressure. However, Russia has significant financial reserves, which are sufficient to prevent a catastrophic collapse and devaluation of the ruble

It is also possible that, having got into a new economic situation for ourselves, we will once again rethink our approaches to managing the economy, learn how to use hidden growth reserves, become more active in developing the domestic market, abandon liberal models that have proven ineffective.

The recognition of the DPR and the LPR is a strong step with a great geopolitical perspective. One thing that can be said for sure: Russia has once again behaved like a Great Power.