IDM Director Schäffer on QNews In-depth about the Graham Act and its implications for European security

IDM Director Sebastian Schäffer spoke with QNews about the signing of the Graham Act by Donald Trump, possible peace talks, Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and the wider implications for European security. 

Schäffer urged caution regarding signals from Moscow about possible negotiations. While dialogue remains necessary, he noted that political signalling should not be confused with a substantive peace process. Russia’s ongoing actions, including the organisation of parliamentary elections in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, further complicate the prospects for meaningful negotiations. 

The discussion also focused on the new US sanctions framework and its potential consequences for Europe. Schäffer stressed that the legislation gives Washington additional possibilities to exert pressure through secondary sanctions and tariffs, but that its actual application and timing remain uncertain. He also pointed to the continued dependence of some European countries on Russian energy, despite the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

A central point of the discussion was the tension between asking Ukraine to halt strikes against Russian energy infrastructure and simultaneously seeking to restrict Russia’s ability to export energy. Schäffer argued that Ukraine would be giving up a tangible military instrument while the effectiveness of the sanctions remains uncertain. 

The interview also addressed Ukraine’s rapidly expanding drone production and its implications for European security. Schäffer noted that the increasing use of drones creates a growing risk of incursions into EU and NATO airspace, particularly along the eastern flank, placing additional demands on European air defence and transatlantic security cooperation. 

The full interview is available from QNews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LAbdus_ecI