On July 22nd, just over a week ago, I told the story of Rico Krieger, a German citizen who had been arrested in Belarus, tried, and convicted on six charges including “acts of terrorism.”

And sentenced to death.

And three days ago, the story appeared of his apparent “confession” to having planted explosives near a railway line.

In a 16-minute, obviously “heavily choreographed” interview, there is no evidence presented to support the charges. Krieger states that he was acting on instructions from Ukraine; again, no proof is offered. He then appeals — in tears — to the German government for help “before it is too late.” [Sarah Rainsford, BBC News, July 26, 2024.]

From the beginning, this had all the earmarks of a hostage-for-trade situation, possibly created on behalf of the Russian government. Vladimir Putin has already made it known that he is desirous of arranging a swap for one of his paid assassins — one Vadim Krasikov —serving a life sentence for murder . . . in Germany, of all places. What an amazing coincidence! And it has thus far been impossible to work out a three-way arrangement with Germany and the U.S., using one of Putin’s American hostages — possibly Evan Gershkovich or Paul Whelan, or even both — as bait.

How convenient, then, to have a German hostage, thus eliminating the U.S. as middleman in the negotiations. And with a death sentence hanging over Mr. Krieger, the matter becomes even more urgent.

Putin must be desperate to get Krasikov back in Moscow. And if he can gain an added advantage by throwing some blame at Ukraine . . . well, it’s two birds with one stone.

And with his loyal ally, Aleksandr Lukashenko, in Belarus to lend a hand, he may just have found a way.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
7/30/24