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Ukrainian FM: Not Possible at Present Time for Full-Scale Russian Invasion; Ukraine: Russian Invasion Threat "Dangerous" not Imminent; Boris Johnson Again Rejects Calls to Resign; Officials Fear Invasion of Ukraine Could Disrupt Russian Exports; U.S. in Talks with Qatar over Gas Supplies to Europe. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired January 26, 2022 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00]
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST, CONNECT THE WORLD: A very warm welcome back to "Connect the World", I'm Becky Anderson here at EXPO 2020 Dubai. This hour
a flurry of warnings of meetings shows of solidarity as Ukraine stares down the threads of a further Russian invasion.
But Ukrainian diplomats downplaying the prospect of any imminent attack despite the White House predicting it will happen soon. Ukraine's Foreign
Minister today saying that as of now, Russia does not have the capabilities in place to launch a full scale offensive.
Despite that CNN has learned that the U.S. and a handful of its allies may deploy thousands more troops to Eastern European NATO countries before any
potential invasion. One diplomat stressing not all NATO members, though are on board with that plan, but still hopes for a diplomatic solution.
Officials from Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany have been meeting today in Paris in what is the so called Normandy Format talk, their discussions
lasting much longer than scheduled. Senior International Correspondent Sam Kiley with the latest for us from Kiev and White House Correspondent Jeremy
Diamond is in Washington.
Let's start with you. Because Sam in Kiev, you have been having conversations with officials there. It does feel as if there's an awful lot
going on this hour. We are waiting on a number of news conferences in the next hour or so which may elicit more information more Intel.
In fact, before I talk to you, let's just listen in to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is talking about Ukraine at the State Department. Let's
listen in.
ANTONY BLINKEN, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: --about the liberation of Kuwait now 31 years ago, so Kuwait understands these principles very, very well.
We discussed Iran; the United States appreciates Kuwait support for mutual return to compliance with the JCPOA the Iran nuclear agreement, because
it's the most effective way to ensure that Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.
We're very grateful for Kuwait's close coordination through venues like the GCC Iran working group, where we have stood together against Iran's
destabilizing actions in the region.
And we talked about our shared goal of advancing peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I thank the Foreign Minister for Kuwait's
commitment to addressing the needs of the Palestinian people, including through financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority. The partnership
we have is--
ANDERSON: Folks, we are monitoring an awful lot of what is going on around the world. We are waiting for a press conference on what is known as the
Normandy talks.
We are also listening into what Secretary of State Antony Blinken is discussing there with his Kuwaiti counterpart that's at the State
Department. And I can also report that an hour from now, we are expecting to get a news conference from Secretary Blinken, specifically talking about
the Ukraine Russia situation.
So do stand by for all of that, and we're keeping you bang up to date. So it may go in and out of these things. Ensuring of course that you are
keeping up with what is going on around the world because this is important.
So let me bring in Sam Kiley, you've been in discussions today with a significant U.S. officials in Kiev, what have you learned?
SAM KILEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, this is the shazzy differ effectively, the Ambassador here in Kiev, Kristina Kvien, a veteran,
she's been here since 2019. And she is extremely outspoken, Becky very interesting indeed. I mean, consistent absolutely with the positions taken,
obviously by her government and NATO more broadly.
She's saying that the written undertaking that the Russians have sought from both NATO and the United States wanting to know the NATO positions in
writing will not change from in any significant way for what has been said verbally.
In other words the Russians are soon to get a written document that says we will not start telling the Ukrainians whether or not they can join NATO
that has nothing to do with Russia. Russia does not have a veto on these matters.
[11:05:00]
KILEY: But there might well be opportunities to discuss things that do matter to both sides such as modalities for organizing troops on the
western flank of Russia, the eastern flank of Europe. And perhaps a return to discussions over nuclear Non Proliferation treaties in the past, the INF
that has fallen into bands.
But she is also saying and she has been all over this country that the Ukrainians are prepared to fight and fight with American weapons that are
pouring in at the moment.
Many dozens of aircraft landing over the next few weeks carrying 80 tons on each flight are expected. And just last night, she was catalyzed
cataloguing the numbers of flights coming in and one flight for example, there were 800 - bunker buster bombs, and so on. And this is why; as she
said they are supplying the Ukrainians with such weapons. This is her view.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KRISTINA KVIEN, U.S. CHARGE D'AFFAIRES TO UKRAINE: We're trying to make it very clear to Russia right now that if they go in, it will not be easy.
I've been here for over two and a half years, and I've been I've seen Ukrainian troops, Ukrainian National Guard, Ukrainian border guards where
they work.
I've gone all around the country. And I can tell you, Ukrainians will fight. Ukrainians love their country, they're patriotic, they will stand
they will fight and the Russians will not have any easy time of it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KILEY: Now they're trying to make sure that this message gets across loud and clear to Vladimir Putin that there will be if there is an invasion, not
just economic sanctions, which he said would include things like technology, it might be impossible, because of U.S. patent law.
For Russians to use cellular phones to get any new cellular phones to drive modern cars, they could impose sanctions on microchips, but also that they
would pay a blood price for any kind of invasion. They're trying to get that message across to Putin loud and clear, Becky.
ANDERSON: That's what's - that's what we're learning in Kiev. Sam, thank you for that, let me get used to Jeremy Diamond. And Sam, alluding to this
written response from the U.S. to Russia that we believe is expected imminently.
At this point, what do we know and as far as intelligence is concerned, and the sources that you are speaking to what does the U.S. believe might be
the process and timing of any further invasion of Ukraine, by Russia, if indeed, Moscow decides that that is their next step?
JEREMY DIAMOND, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, listen, the White House maintains that they believe that an invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces
is imminent and could be imminent. But at the same time, they also say that they are reading the tea leaves like everybody else.
We heard President Biden say that himself yesterday, he said, look, if we were talking about any other leader around the world, you would see a mass
of more than 100,000 troops at a neighboring countries border.
And you would say they're preparing to invade. But with Putin, there's perhaps a little bit more uncertainty. And the President even saying that
he believes Putin's own aides perhaps don't know what he is going to do next.
So they are closely monitoring the situation, they are preparing the potential sanctions should an invasion occur. And indeed, as early as
today, we are expecting the U.S. to deliver to Russia this written response to Russian demand, this is something that the Russians have asked the
United States to deliver to them.
And here's what we know so far about what's expected to be included in this. It's not expected to include any surprises any surprise concessions
by the United States. U.S. officials have told us that they have consulted closely with other allies as they have prepared this response and included
input from some of those allies, including Ukraine, as they have prepared this document.
And this document also isn't expected to lie out, for example, the likelihood or not of Ukraine, eventually joining NATO. Something that
President Putin has demanded that the US do, which is not allowing Ukraine into NATO.
Of course, President Biden himself, he did say last week that he believes it's unlikely that Ukraine would join NATO in the coming, in the coming
years. The U.S. will focus on the areas where they do want to talk with Russia, arms control, greater transparency, risk reduction, the placement
of missiles, for example, all of that will be in there.
But again, a big question of whether or not this will be enough for Russia to continue on the diplomatic path, Becky?
ANDERSON: Thank you. My next guest has some ominous words. He says if the Russians succeed in reestablishing a sphere of influence of dominating
Ukraine, they won't stop there. They will he says continue.
William Taylor was the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine from 2006 to 2009. He is currently with the U.S. Peace Institute and joins us live.
[11:10:00]
ANDERSON: Look, you know, when the U.S. President says he is all you know, but reading the tea leaves here because it just isn't clear what the
Russians next step might be clearly that is worrying, you know, you will be as good as any reading these tea leaves. What do you see happening next at
this point?
WILLIAM TAYLOR, VICE PRESIDENT, RUSSIA AND EUROPE AT THE U.S. INSTITUTE OF PEACE: Well, Becky, you're exactly right. No one can get into Mr. Putin's
mind, he's surprised us before who would have thought that in the - and 2021 actually, who were talking to in 2014, that Russia would invade its
neighbor, which they did.
So Putin has surprises before and in 2021 and 2022 now, we see him masking these forces again. So he's clearly got the capability. And what's in his
mind is the right question.
Apparently, he's not yet made the decision, which is why all of these steps whether they be the sanctions that are threatened that are promised, if he
makes the bad decision, or these increases in defensive weapons for Ukraine.
They're flowing in just like your reporter described, as well as the movement of U.S. forces to the Eastern Flank of NATO, all these things are
to deter him because no one knows what's in his mind.
ANDERSON: What we do know is that he is waiting for this written response from Washington to a whole bunch of issues that he says has led us to where
we are at this point. Jeremy diamond, our Reporter at the White House has just explained that there is no surprise concessions to Moscow expected in
this Russian response.
And we'll know more because that response is imminent at this point. And we should not expect to see the U.S. lying out and the likelihood or not that
the Ukrainians could get membership of NATO going forward. How is that going to go down with the Kremlin?
TAYLOR: So the Kremlin has demanded certain things, some of what you've just described, Becky and your reporter did. They've demanded immediate
acquisition acquiescence to appease the Russians.
And as you say, so far, we've stared them down, the Ukrainians have stared them down. President Biden has stared them down. That's what you said at
the beginning of this, of this segment. And you're exactly right.
They have been they've been very firm, that they're not going to compromise Ukraine sovereignty. Ukraine is a sovereign nation that has the authority,
right, to make its own decisions.
And it can decide not the Russians, whether or not to apply to NATO, and they clearly are, and then there's the decision for NATO to make, but it's
not a decision for the Russians. They don't have they don't have to say.
ANDERSON: Right. I'm just going to drill down a little bit on what you just said, because you say the U.S. has been very firm. I would say very firm-
ish. There was a bit of a wobble bit of a model recently in the way that Joe Biden express what would happen next with regard Ukraine is sort of
cleared that up.
And he now says there is total unanimity when it comes to the U.S. and its Western allies in their approach to Russia at this point, but that is not
strictly true, is it?
I mean, you know, although the French, for example, have been quite robust, certainly in the past, what 48 hours President Emmanuel Macron, being very
forthright about, you know, what will happen?
Should Russia further invade Ukraine? But for example, you know, many experts suggesting that what they're hearing from Germany is not
coordinated is not a country that is in complete unanimity when it comes to what might happen next. So are you concerned in anyway, about the approach,
which doesn't seem completely joined up when it comes, for example, to the Europeans?
TAYLOR: Becky, I think it's very clear that all the allies, the NATO allies, the other European allies in the EU, including the Germans are very
solidly supporting Ukraine, sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, that's very clear.
How they do that, how each individual nation expresses that support that can differ and that's OK? Different nations are in different positions to
do different things that are the Germans for example they could cut off that pipeline.
[11:15:00]
TAYLOR: They could be they could ensure that that Nord Stream two pipeline that the Russians have built, just to send natural gas directly to Germany,
the Germans could cut that off. And they have indicated not committed, I take your point.
ANDERSON: Yes.
TAYLOR: But they've indicated that if the Russians do invade Ukraine, that pipeline is very unfairly unlikely to go into effect. So that's what the
Germans can do. Yes, Americans can do different things in terms of sanctions. The U.S. dollar is very important to these sanctions.
And so, we have a lot of flexibility and a lot of capability to do things to the Russians, including to President Putin himself, President Biden said
yesterday. So there's each nation, each ally--
ANDERSON: Absolutely.
TAYLOR: --can do different things, and they can try to deter that, again, it's an attempt to deter President Putin from doing something that will not
go down in history. Well, history will not be kind to him if he makes this mistake.
ANDERSON: Yes. It described by the U.S. charged a fair to my colleague, Sam Kiley just earlier on, as you know, the Russians will go down as a pariah
state, should they? Should they move badly on this one?
All right, I am going to leave it there because what you have been talking about what's in that toolkit is exactly what we are going to talk about.
Next, looking for a plan B if, for example, Russia turns off the tabs. Thanks, Bill.
Ahead more on Europe's gas woes, and how Qatar could step in and help plus Boris Johnson lands on his feet today.
In what was a very fear fiery parliament, the British Prime Minister still faces a key report on what has become known as the party gate scandal.
You're watching "'Connect the World". I'm Becky Anderson. We're here at EXPO 2020 Dubai, stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appears to be digging in during what was a heated grilling
before UK lawmakers a few hours ago once again rejected calls for him to resign.
Mr. Johnson, of course is under intense pressure over parties at Downing Street that allegedly broke lockdown rules. We are expecting a report into
those gatherings to be released imminently if not today, then this week. When asked if he would release all of the findings Prime Minister seem to
bounce around the answer somewhat. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BORIS JOHNSON, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: You've got to leave the report to the independent investigators he knows of course, when I receive it, of
course I will do exactly what I said.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, London Police have already said that they are investigating whether any COVID restrictions were breached, escalating a crisis that has
left Mr. Johnson fighting for his job. CNN's Salma Abdelaziz is live for us from Downing Street down but not out. Is it though just a matter of time at
this point?
[11:20:00]
SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN REPORTER: Well, I think right now everybody is just waiting, holding their breath wringing their hands for that Sue Gray
report, because that's what's going to answer your question, Becky.
This government now is under investigation to investigations, in fact over multiple allegations of partying just behind me here at the Prime
Minister's official home and offices.
And as we wait for that great report and over the course, ultimately, this has been a culmination of the course of week's reports of these parties.
And the way the British public has often dealt with this Becky is to ask a simple question. Where were you that day?
Where were you on the day that the Prime Minister or his government was alleged to have party? And I wanted to ask that question to two people who
were absolutely making huge sacrifices to follow the very rules the government is accused of breaking, take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ABDELAZIZ (voice over): Spring 2020, about two months into England strict nationwide lockdown the death toll mounting so quickly, mass graves are dug
on the outskirts of London. The Prime Minister consistently urges the public to abide by COVID restrictions.
May 15, this photo was snapped in the Downing Street garden. Johnson allegedly hosting a wine and cheese party for his team. Johnson's
government has denied wrongdoing, claiming this was a work meeting. Bereaved mother, Emma Jones says its hypocrisy.
EMMA JONES, MOTHER OF 18-YEAR-OLD RUBY WHO DIES MAY 15TH, 2020: The date just jumped out at me. So the 15th of May 2020, which is an incredibly sad
day for us?
ABDELAZIZ (voice over): That day, her 18 year old daughter Ruby died of blood cancer at home.
JONES: After baby died, we opened up our front garden and invited people to come by, but they had to do it in their household bubbles.
ABDELAZIZ (voice over): Because funeral attendance was severely limited, this is how loved one said goodbye to Ruby.
ABDELAZIZ (on camera): You made the sacrifice of not having a funeral for your daughter.
JONES: It was very, very hard. But we didn't begrudge that. But now to realize that the people who set the rules weren't following them is
absolutely infuriating.
ABDELAZIZ (voice over): May 20th 2020, Police are out to enforce restrictions and break up illegal gatherings. But in the Prime Minister's
garden, a party is allegedly taking place after his top Secretary invited more than 100 staffers to make the most of the lovely weather and bring
your own booze. Johnson now admits to his attendance and has apologized, but says he believed the BYOB event was a work function.
JOHNSON: Mr. Speaker, I want to apologize.
ABDELAZIZ (voice over): That spring, Olufemi Akinnola followed the rules until his dying breath isolating at home. His son Lobby told us.
LOBBY AKINNOLA, LOST HIS FATHER TO COVID IN 2020: You have someone who is so dedicated to the people he loves. And then the prime minister just
doesn't care.
ABDELAZIZ (voice over): In the fall of 2020 Lobby met the prime minister with other bereaved families to share his story of grief.
AKINNOLA: I don't think the mind can maintain his position as Prime Minister because I think he's betrayed us or so deeply.
ABDELAZIZ (voice over): For many, the accusation their government broke COVID rules to party is unforgivable. The inquiries into the alleged
breaches first by the Cabinet Office and now the police are set to make it unforgettable.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ABDELAZIZ: It's those sacrifices, those sacrifices that you saw in our story there that have made Britons overwhelmingly angry at the Prime
Minister, the latest snap poll showing that two thirds of adults want to see Johnson resign.
Now all of that is going to be determined by his party. But ultimately, Becky I know it sounds trite when we talk about parties and booze, and wine
and beer. But this is not about that anymore.
This is about whether or not the people in that office behind me here respect the sacrifice that families made, whether or not they respect the
highest office in the land and whether or not ultimately they respect the very rules they set, Becky.
ANDERSON: Thank you, Salma. CNN's Max Foster he's been reporting on British politics for years. He is here with me in Dubai today to offer some
analysis. And it's the local paper here which is big International Paper, the national you spoke to its Editor in Chief - slightly earlier on. A
headlining today Boris Johnson is a master escapologist but the final act could be here.
MAX FOSTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I think what they're implying there is that you know never write them off. I mean how many times over the Brexit
campaign did people write them off as mare you know as a journalist is written off, he is a survivor.
[11:25:00]
FOSTER: So never write him off. In that sense, what Sam was talking about there, I mean, we can all relate to, you know, these awful stories about
people not being able to spend time with loved ones. And Boris Johnson was at a party.
I mean, that is one level of this debate you can't really argue with that is deeply offensive on many levels. But ultimately, the people who decide
whether or not he stays in his position, his own conservative members of parliament.
And they, you know, famously, are very focused on their seats, and they are looking at who's the best leader for me to keep my job --.
ANDERSON: Yes, effectively, they need a leader who is going to take them into a general election at some point and get them a win. Here's the deal.
So let's just for our viewer's sake, you may not be sort of, you know, following the machinations of this as quite as closely as, as certainly you
are.
We are awaiting this report from what is a senior civil servant, a senior government official, effectively, into exactly what happened at one of
these events. How bad does that need to be?
And we don't know what's in this report today. And we do not know what the Metropolitan Police will find in their investigation. How bad does it
though, have to be for even members of his own party to say this is completely unacceptable is going to go?
FOSTER: It's a ruthless party, as we all know and if they feel that he is going to put them in a position where they're not going to get elected next
election. He's toast. But you were talking earlier about, you know, one of the considerations here is whose going to replace him?
And they don't really, I mean, certainly the back benches don't have a single choice that they can rally behind. There are, you know, very
credible choices like Rishi Sunak, who is the Finance Minister, or the Foreign Secretary.
But they're not known to the public will they get, you know, do well in an election that helped by the fact the Labor Party is very weak. But you
know, if you talk about venture, the back of the mind is always, Boris Johnson has is an amazing campaigner.
ANDERSON: And this is the thing. He was eminently electable back in December of 2019. You know, he said, he delivered Brexit, whether you like
it or not, he delivered Brexit. And they knew that as a party's he making a very good point.
This isn't just about his performance. It's not about whether the British public thinks that he has been completely hypocritical, I'm talking about
him and his team here. It's not just Boris Johnson, it's his team.
But it's actually about whether, you know if he goes if they push him out whether they can actually win the next election. All right, pleasure having
you here. I know you've enjoyed Expo.
FOSTER: Yes.
ANDERSON: It's good to have you all.
FOSTER: One thing I'd say is that it's been you know, so amazing, you know, the coverage of it and showing how epic it is. But actually, when you come
here, the TV doesn't really do a justice, because it's, it's you know, that the shows and those pavilions, you know, to the Pakistani one today, it's
just unbelievable.
ANDERSON: It's good to have you, come back.
FOSTER: Thanks for having me.
ANDERSON: That's all right. You're more than welcome. There you go. Lovely picture image there of the UAE pavilion, which is right in the heart of
what Max has been describing here as you know, this epic, epic --.
And we've been coming here now for what three months started October the first and it really, you know, it never fails to impress you. Tensions are
high and so our energy bills. Ahead could a Russian invasion of Ukraine lead to a new gas crisis for Europe plus, his rise to the top echelons of
the golf world isn't getting the best of him. Hear what Collin Morikawa says is the key to his success in my interview with him just ahead.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[11:30:00]
ANDERSON: Well, next week, U.S. President Joe Biden will host the Emir of Qatar. The White House says that they will discuss energy security. U.S.
Qatar and other nations are already said to be in talks about gas supplies to Europe.
Should Russia further invade Ukraine? Now officials say they are working on contingency plans if an invasion disrupts Russia's gas or energy shipments.
Well, my next guest one of the first people to report on these sorts co- writing about them in a Financial Times article.
It says the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia have "increased concerns that conflict could hit gas supplies at a time when Europe is
facing record prices".
However, officials warned that there was no magic wand to solve the potential shortfall with the continent already in the grip of an energy
crisis. Well, the Financial Times Energy Editor, David Sheppard joining me now via Skype.
It's good to have you David. I mean, it was a fascinating piece, an important piece. How would this be implemented, sir?
DAVID SHEPPARD, FINANCIAL TIMES ENERGY EDITOR: It as you see the U.S. officials are saying there isn't a magic wand for a situation like this.
The European and in fact, the global gas market is already in something approaching a crisis. But what they're trying to do is to stop this turning
into a gas catastrophe.
What they could look to implement in some ways because supplies of gas around the world are already very tight, is they would need to have
government start to talk to each other.
And to see whether cargoes that may be earmarked to go to Asia could be redirected instead to Europe in the event that Russian supplies get us all,
but that's likely to require government pressure, because the countries in Asia be that Japan or South Korea are heavily reliant on seaborne liquefied
natural gas cargoes need them themselves. And we'd need to see some form of compensation be that financial or diplomatic to make this happen.
ANDERSON: It has to be said this puts Qatar in a very powerful position. The first Middle Eastern leader, I think I'm right in saying to visit the
White House since the Biden Administration took over the certainly the first from the Gulf.
You mentioned in the piece that Doha has been locked of a dispute with the EU over a 2018 European Commission investigation into Qatar energies long
term fixed contracts, so no love lost between the two. It seems that Washington is sort of at the forefront of these negotiations, call them
what you will what's the status of this EU Qatar spat at present?
SHEPPARD: I think there's certainly a hope within Doha this investigation is going to run out. There's no real suggestion of serious wrongdoing on
the Qatari part. This is more linked to the EU's desire to have flexibility in its marketplace to have a reliance on shorter term contracts.
And while the Qatari's who believe that investment in LNG is so expensive for them, that they want the security of long term contracts with their
buyers so that they can afford to invest in developing future fields.
So there I suspect the suspicion is that they can see an opportunity here that if they can write the rescue in some way with the EU or the UK, that
there may be some of the pressure around moving away from their long term contracts, goes away and --. But they can present themselves as someone
that's willing to help out in a crisis.
[11:35:00]
ANDERSON: Yes, it's fascinating, isn't it? This will be nothing short of a bonanza for Doha. Earlier, CNN spoke to the CEO of Naftogaz, which is of
course, Ukraine's largest national oil and Gas Company who says President Putin; Vladimir Putin of Russia is using gas as a weapon. Have a listen to
what he had to say about the controversial German Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
YURIY VITRENKO, CEO, NAFTOGAZ: What we are saying that maybe somebody hopes that Nord Stream 2 will help the market in the short term, bringing more
gas. First of all, it's not the case, because Putin is also demanding long term contracts new commitments from Europe to buy more gas from Russia.
And that really is against the Green Deal agenda of European Union, decarbonization initiatives. But at the same time, it just shows that Putin
wants Europe to be even more dependent on Russian gas supplies. And if they're even more dominant, then they would further abuse the market.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: What do you make of what he said?
SHEPPARD: Well, we first started reporting on the role of Nord Stream 2 in this crisis way back last summer when it first became clear that supplies
from Russia were lower in 2021, than they had been in previous years.
Many people in the industry think that Russia is trying to use lower supplies to kind of leverage the Nord Stream 2 approval in Germany to get
it speeded up, make it happen. That's not happened so far.
And with the crisis that we're seeing on the border with Ukraine, right now, it seems unlikely that there's going to be any rush to bring that gas
pipeline online. You created a post this pipeline from the beginning, leaving; it's designed, in part at least, to undermine their position.
They've long been one of the main conduits for Russian gas into Europe. And in Germany, one of Russia's biggest gas customers in Europe, and have its
gas come directly from Russia through the Baltic Sea.
They believe that Ukraine's own position not to mention the money they receive from Russia for shipping gas through to Europe will be diminished.
They also view it as a security threat because they believe as Ukraine that having Russian gas flowing through the country actually lowers the chances
of Russia being able to launch an invention or other military activity.
ANDERSON: Fascinating times, Berlin clearly holds a strategic card here when it comes to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Look, it's not clear and
everybody seems to be reading the tea leaves.
What really isn't clear at this point is what the Russian president's next moves might be. Stick with CNN, because we have correspondents all over
this story like - it's good to have you on Sir, thank you.
$8 million up for grabs when the Dubai Desert classic gets underway on Thursday just a short drive away from is here. At Expo the world's number
two golfer Collin Morikawa is in town. He's gearing up for the tournament and could place in place and in that number one spot.
The American golfer, hoping for a repeat of his 2021 winning streak when he won the World Golf Championship open and the DP World Tour championship
here in Dubai last year.
And listen, he only debuted in 2019. The 24 year old has had a meteoric rise, becoming the first American to win the race to Dubai. It was here at
EXPO earlier this week.
And I caught up with him at the Emirates golf club the venue for this weekend's tour. And asked him what his approach is to securing that coveted
number one spot. I did those stop by asking him how it feels to be back in Dubai.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COLLIN MORIKAWA, U.S. GOLFER: Rising always have a very special place in my heart, like you said, won the race or won the race Dubai won the DP World
Championship? First American to win the race is Dubai, very special. You know, the history of this game goes on for so long and to add my name to be
the first to ever do it as an American. You know, it warms my heart really does.
ANDERSON: This is the Emirates golf club, venue for the Dubai Desert classic. You seem to love playing here. What's your approach this week?
MORIKAWA: To go win, that's every week, right? Last year I played my first Dubai Desert classic out here. Wouldn't say it was the best week really
struggled down to the bottom of the leader board.
But you learn you know you learn from tough weeks you learn from bad weeks and that's the biggest thing for me. As every opportunity that I'm given, I
look at these as opportunities to come out here and to travel halfway across the world.
Something I never would have dreamt about being as a kid. And you just you take these opportunities and bring them to you and see what you can do. And
you know I think I learned a lot from last year and I can show up this week and hopefully use that experience, and hopefully come out on top.
[11:40:00]
ANDERSON: I'm sure you don't want to talk about it. But let's talk about what you might learn from the tournament in Abu Dhabi a week or so ago.
What happened?
MORIKAWA: You know your body feels different; you don't know where the golf balls going. I think a lot of people can, can get that feeling. And that's
what really happened. I didn't know where the golf ball was going. I couldn't make a putt I didn't I never felt comfortable.
You grind out those weeks, you get frustrated, you get mad, but it drives you and motivates you to wake up like today to get ready for this next
tournament. And just be ready. And that's what golf delivers.
ANDERSON: 2021 was your breakout year. Of course, you're hoping that 2022 will be even better. Can you just reflect on 2021 if you will, and how
important it is for you to win not just on U.S. soil?
MORIKAWA: You know, I like how you how you state that as a breakout year because I don't look at it that way. I'm sure many people do and look,
don't get me wrong. The year I had in 2021 it was amazing, right? WJC a major racer by DP World Tour championship, but I look at as so many places
to improve so many places to get better.
ANDERSON: You are currently world number two by the end of this week; you could be world number one. You graduated university in 2019. Your golfing
career at the ripe old age of 24, nearly 25 has been during the entire COVID period. I mean, what drives you?
MORIKAWA: Yes, it's all in the heart, right? It's all self-motivation. Like since I've been a little kid, my parents introduced me pretty much before I
remember took my first lessons at five.
It's always been that belief that I can get there, play on the PGA Tour play around the world, and get to number one in the world. And it's always
because I believed in myself and that's what drives me.
I was very fortunate growing up to have amazing parents really supportive to for them to be there wherever I needed them. Taking the golf
tournaments, buy me new golf clubs, buy me whatever I needed. So without them I wouldn't be here.
ANDERSON: --any good?
MORIKAWA: No.
ANDERSON: Do they play?
MORIKAWA: They don't even play I've probably played with them less than five times four rounds in my lifetime. They love it. They have the ability
to come travel to go to big events. They like the big events, they like the majors, but they enjoy it.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: What a lovely chap he is. And we'll have more on that interview Thursday both on "Connect the World" and on "World Sport" also on our
digital channels. So do stay tuned. Thank you for joining "Connect the World" this evening. Marketplace Middle East tonight is up next, see you
tomorrow.
[11:45:00]
ELENI GIOKOS, HOST, MARKETPLACE MIDDLEEAST: Welcome to Marketplace Middle East, I'm your host Eleni Giokos. And it's here at the Meydan Racecourse in
Dubai, one of the world's most expensive horse racing events takes place with total prize money of over $30 million.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GIOKOS (voice over) The Middle East has seen a meteoric rise in playing host to some of sports biggest events. From UFC's are highly anticipated
fights to Formula One's most memorable races.
GCC countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain will spend billions of dollars in sporting deals over the next 10 years. Amanda Davies has more
from Qatar, we one of the world's most anticipated events, the World Cup will take place later this year.
AMANDA DAVIES, ANCHOR, WORLD SPORT: Here in Qatar, it seems that there's a new stadium, everywhere you look. They're getting ready to host one of the
biggest events in sport, and it hasn't come cheap. The country spent around $200 billion on infrastructure projects since winning the bid to host the
World Cup finals in 2010.
As with so many of these major international sporting events, they're about showing what the hosts are about to the world here. The Al Bayt Stadium is
designed to look like the traditional Nomad tents. Qatar expects a $20 billion economic boost from hosting the tournament this November.
SIMON KUPER, CO-AUTHOR, SOCCERNOMICS: Hosting a World Cup is a great way perhaps the best possible way for a tiny country of less than 2 million to
get visibility.
And the hope is that this kind of soft power and associating Qatar with something everybody likes like football and certain things that people
don't like terrible treatment of migrants. The hope is in Qatar that that will improve the country's image and that will help in security.
DAVIES (voice over): Gulf countries have come under fire over recent years being accused of sports washing using events like this to cover up alleged
human rights and labor violations. A 2021 report from Amnesty International criticize the Qatari government for their treatment towards migrant
workers.
DAVIES (on camera): There was a very powerful title to that Amnesty report, Reality Check 2021. Do you feel you are in touch with the reality?
NASSER AL KHATER, CEO, QATAR WORLD CUP: Yes, absolutely. We don't deny that there's work that needs to be done. We've never denied that there's work
that needs to be done. There is definitely our thing today better than they were 10 years ago, absolutely.
DAVIES (voice over): Despite these reports, the Gulf is expected to be the fastest growing region in the sports industry in the coming years. Since
the start of the COVID pandemic, they've spent more than $65 billion on developing the sector.
Recently, they've hosted major international events ranging from UFC fights and heavyweight boxing championships, to some of tennis and golf's biggest
stars. And in 2021, Qatar and Saudi Arabia signed 10 year multimillion dollar deals with Formula One joining their neighbors Bahrain and Abu
Dhabi.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What is the thinking behind so many races in the Middle East at last?
CHLOE TARGET-ADAMS, GLOBAL DIRECTOR, FORMULA ONE RACE PROMOTION: Well, this is a really exciting region for us. If we think about, you know, Saudi
Arabia would have population 70 percent of which are fewer than 30 is a huge growth market for Formula One.
We've been able to race here for a number of years with Bahrain, our original now turning into a legacy Middle Eastern race in the success of
Abu Dhabi.
So being able to then add Saudi Arabia and Qatar now through 2023 for 10 years, it gives us that really good basis to grow the fan base in the MENA
region in a way that we've never been able to activate.
DAVIES (voice over): Gulf countries like Qatar are betting big on sports, hoping the move will diversify their economy and showcase their home to the
world Amanda Davies for Marketplace Middle East, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[11:50:00]
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
GIOKOS (voice over): The Dubai World Cup began in 1996. Back then, the Middle East was a small player on the global sporting stage. Fast forward
to today, and it's expected to be the fastest growing region in the industry in the next three to five years.
GIOKOS (on camera): I met up with the Chairman of the Dubai racing authority Shaykh Rashid bin Darmook Al Maktoum, to talk about follies and
more.
SHAYKH RASHID BIN DARMOK AL MAKTOUM, CHAIRMAN, DUBAI RACING CLUB: Eleni, welcome here to the Meydan Racecourse. You're actually walking on the one
of the best tracks in the world, which is the third track horses that run on this safe ground our horses from all around the world. We believe this
is a fair ground for all horses who like the soft ground or the fast ground. So it's--
GIOKOS (on camera): I got to say it's pretty soft and I'm surprised the grass is actually this long. And you're saying this is one of the best?
MAKTOUM: Yes, this is one of the best tracks in the world. As like you see it's a very safe track, very flat track and at the same time, it gives a
protection to the horse when the race is here.
This place I believe is a statement. I think before we describe this place, I must say his highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of
Dubai had a clear vision long time ago of where he wants to get this industry, he saw that there is a potential in the equestrian field. So he
decided to make a clear plan.
GIOKOS (on camera): I want to kind of fast forward to where we are today. And I want to talk some of the numbers in terms of sort of the economic
viability. You know, horse trading is actually such a big part of your import export bill, give me a sense of how that's developed and grown over
the last few years.
MAKTOUM: For the past three years more than 4000 horses came to Dubai and exported from Dubai, which gives you a clear number of how busy we were
with handling horses and treating horses.
GIOKOS (on camera): I want to talk about where you import horses from versus your capabilities to breed locally. And of course to train locally
as well, because you are focused on growing the local industry as much as you rely on imports.
MAKTOUM: We have horses that come from Europe, we have horses that come from England, France, Spain, and from the East. We have horses that come
from all the way from Australia, New Zealand and of course from America.
Luckily, we are located in a place where we are in the center of all the big countries that can export horses. We look at the numbers and we look at
if those horses leave Dubai leave the United Arab Emirates and we like to see if they would like to if they come back.
GIOKOS (on camera): And also how they perform in other racing, right? How did how do they perform the ones that are great in Dubai.
MAKTOUM: And of course, if a horse wins here in Dubai and wins somewhere else, that's a bonus to us, meaning the quality is there.
GIOKOS (on camera): And one of the attractive things about racing in Dubai is the prize money. There's a huge incentive.
MAKTOUM: For an owner to decide to come to Dubai and race he needs a couple of things that should be attractive. And for me the main attractive thing
is the prize money. I must say that Dubai is one of the highest countries in the world with prize money.
You win one race in Dubai you cover 12 months of your training fee. And other factors also play a big role for you have the great facilities we
have here at Maidan and then comes back to Dubai.
Dubai is a city that attracts all other industries to come over because I must say it must be a full package. Not only the prize money but you have
the hospitality, you have the hotels, the services. And when you put them together it's a good choice to come over and --.
[11:55:00]
GIOKOS (on camera): So in terms of betting, what are the plans to introduce that, given the fact that you've got such a huge betting culture that is
part of other races around the world.
MAKTOUM: It has a big, big impact on racing. However, here in Dubai, most of our races and most of our races, they are sponsored by big sponsors, big
companies, we look at --. And currently, it's not an option.
But I feel even if betting is not involved in our racing, I don't see a big effect for the market here. There is a different way of, of betting say
they try to pick a winner. And he gets a prize on that.
GIOKOS (on camera): Right, I see what you do.
MAKTOUM: You know.
GIOKOS (on camera): But you don't put money down.
MAKTOUM: We don't put money down.
GIOKOS (on camera): Do you know how important this industry is to Dubai to the Emirate? Do you have a sense of the numbers because you're talking
hospitality? You're talking about an industry that has just so many verticals to us.
MAKTOUM: I mean I believe every country can be special in certain things. And in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai, horses is everything to us. We
do believe that horses are should always be part of our life. And it's as I said, its tradition, and they just bring happiness to us.
GIOKOS (on camera): Who are you competing with globally? I mean, would you say it's England would you say it's France?
MAKTOUM: So we always look at the big races all around the world. America there are big races there Europe again England and France and looking at
Hong Kong, Australia. We always look at them and monitor how things go there.
Our strategy is just to keep improving and just raising the bar. When we see the best horses all around the world come to Dubai on base, we feel
that OK, there is a we have reached the highest standard.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
GIOKOS: Well that's it for this edition of Marketplace Middle East and here at the Meydan Racecourse, where they're gearing up for the Dubai World Cup.
If you want to see more on the show, you can visit cnn.com/marketplacemiddleeast from Eleni Giokos. Thanks so much for
watching.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
