Anniversary of the Ukraine War
Steinmeier invites you to Bellevue Palace
Anniversary of the beginning of the war: Federal President Steinmeier is the host of a special event. photo
© Wolfgang Kumm/dpa
The top of the German state shows solidarity with Ukraine. Selenskyj is also said to make a speech on the anniversary of the invasion. Demonstrations are planned across Germany.
On the first anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine, the leaders of the German state will meet for a central event on Friday at Bellevue Palace in Berlin.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, invited the guests. Both will also give speeches. A well-rehearsed speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also planned.
In solidarity with the country attacked by Russia in violation of international law, the Ukrainian flag is to be hoisted in front of Bellevue Palace, the Reichstag and other central buildings in Berlin. Demonstrations were registered in the capital and in many other cities in Germany to mark the anniversary. A Russian T-72 tank destroyed in Ukraine is to be set up opposite the Russian embassy in Berlin as a sign of protest.
Scholz: “Turning Points”, Steinmeier: “Breaking Epochs”
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and numerous members of his cabinet will take part in the event at Bellevue Palace. Bundestag President Bärbel Bas and Bundesrat President Peter Tschentscher (both SPD) are also expected. Scholz described Russia’s attack on Ukraine as a turning point, Steinmeier speaks of an epochal break.
After initial hesitation, the German government decided to provide military support to Ukraine. This now also includes heavy weapons such as the Panzerhaubitze 2000 and the anti-aircraft vehicle Gepard. Marder armored personnel carriers and Leopard 2 main battle tanks are to be added soon. The needy population was also supported with large quantities of civilian goods such as food, generators and emergency shelters.
Taking in hundreds of thousands of war refugees
Germany also took in hundreds of thousands of refugees from Ukraine, mostly women and children. It converted its energy supply, which was previously heavily dependent on Russia, as part of the sanctions against Moscow and no longer purchases gas and oil from there. The attack on Ukraine also resulted in the Bundestag agreeing on a special fund of 100 billion euros to be used to improve the equipment of the Bundeswehr. The federal government is also cushioning the consequences of the war for citizens and companies, such as sharply increased prices for energy and food, with billions of euros.
From the point of view of FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr, Ukraine must win the war against Russia. Dürr told the German Press Agency: “Ukraine not only defends its population and its state territory, but also fundamental values such as freedom and democracy, which Putin attacks every day.”