Chancellor’s government statement in the Bundestag: Olaf Scholz once again justifies the delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine. Peace is only a matter of course “if we are prepared to defend it”.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended the delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine against criticism from the population and politicians.
“Helping a country that has been brutally attacked to defend itself is not escalation. But a contribution to repelling the attack and thus ending the violence as quickly as possible, »said the SPD politician in a government statement in the Bundestag in Berlin. He, too, is worried, said the Chancellor, but at the same time emphasized: “We all have one goal in common: Russia must not win this war. Ukraine must survive.”
The federal government is also strengthening Ukraine’s military back, “considered, weighed up and closely coordinated internationally,” said Scholz. Germany will not go it alone, and the federal government will not do anything that would turn NATO into a war party.
«Sweden and Finland, you are very welcome!»
Scholz welcomed Finland and Sweden’s plans to join NATO. «I say without hesitation: Dear friends in Sweden and Finland, you are very welcome! With you by our side, NATO and Europe will be stronger and safer,” said the SPD politician. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has also prompted many other European countries to reconsider their security. Since then, many have invested significantly more in their defense.
Scholz: Peace cannot be taken for granted
Scholz called for a resolute defense of the peace. War had not become unimaginable in Europe either, said the Chancellor. «Peace can only be taken for granted if we are prepared to defend it. This is the lesson we are learning from Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine.”
Scholz said the European Union had overcome various challenges and crises in recent years. The war in the immediate vicinity was without a doubt the biggest. “In one respect, however, this crisis is similar to the previous ones. Once again we experience: The greater the pressure from outside, the more determined and united the European Union acts.”
