News   /   Germany

US-Russia tensions ‘more dangerous’ than Cold War era: Steinmeier

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Photo by AFP)

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says tensions between Russia and the US are “more dangerous’ than those of the Cold War era.

"It's a fallacy to think that this is like the Cold War. The current times are different and more dangerous," Steinmeier made the remarks in an article published by Germany’s Bild newspaper on Saturday.   

Steinmeier noted that the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine and a recent lapse in nuclear cooperation between the two Cold War era enemies were fueling animosity between the two countries.

In 2014, clashes erupted between the US-backed government in Kiev and pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine. The US and EU have accused Russia of playing a role in Ukraine’s conflict. Moscow, however, denies the allegations.   

Last week, Russia suspended a nuclear and energy sector cooperation agreement with the US over Washington-imposed sanctions due to the crisis in Ukraine and suspended another treaty with the US on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium, over “a threat to strategic stability posed by the hostile actions of the US against Russia.”     

Steinmeier noted the tensions are more dangerous, because the Cold War had "red lines” which were respected by both countries, but the current multi-polar environment has so many regional conflicts that make geopolitics "more unpredictable."  

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy over the past five and a half years, which has claimed the lives of around 400,000 people.    

"But in spite of all the frustration, disappointment and deep distrust on both sides," he wrote. "We must continue to search for ways to put an end to the insanity in Syria. The US and Russia must continue to talk," he added.

 


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku