The European astronaut called for cooperation with Russia in the space sphere
Alexander Gerst. Photo: ESA / NASA
Cooperation with Russia in the space sphere will help strengthen mutual understanding, and possibly contribute to solving the crisis of tension on the border with Ukraine, European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst told the DPA news agency.
“[Joint space flights] have always strengthened mutual understanding between peoples. When you get on a spaceship with someone, go into space, and then see the Earth from the side, things like nationality are erased. Obviously, there are no borders here,” the German astronaut added. The current situation reminded him of the situation during the Cold War, when countries cooperated in this area, despite global tensions.
Gerst believes that international contacts will contribute to resolving and overcoming the conflict in Ukraine and called for joint space exploration instead of conscious confrontation. The German astronaut also recalled friendly relations with his Russian cosmonaut colleagues.
Earlier, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that the scenario of a war between Russia and NATO would be the most catastrophic. “But I expect that this will never happen,” Medvedev concluded.
On January 27, retired American Lieutenant General Dale Daly called on the United States to give in to Russia on the issue of Ukraine and Georgia. According to Daly, for the security interests of the West, there is no need for these countries to become members of the NATO alliance, and a neutral status is more suitable for them. He believes that such a step will suit Moscow and will contribute to the resolution of the conflict.
On January 26, Washington gave Russia a written response to the proposals on security guarantees. The message was brought to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan. In the document, the American side indicated the areas in which the White House agrees to cooperate with the Kremlin.
