Leverage in Diplomacy: The Case of Krasikov

Krasikov, a professional murderer, was apprehended in Berlin after a brazen assassination in broad daylight, creating a significant diplomatic pawn for the West. Putin's unusual public discourse around Krasikov suggested a desire to negotiate his return, indicating weakness in Russian intelligence secrecy and strategy. This situation allowed the US and its allies to gain leverage, as Putin expressed specific demands and highlighted Krasikov's actions as patriotic, signaling a willingness to engage in negotiations, thereby shifting the dynamics of international diplomacy.