commemoration
Steinmeier: You can rely on Germany in the Ukraine war
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 come together at Bellevue Palace in Berlin for a central event.
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.
Steinmeier: You can rely on Germany in the Ukraine war
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier promised Ukraine further extensive German assistance. Steinmeier said in Berlin that Germany is today, including militarily, its biggest supporter on the European continent. “And despite all the controversial, sometimes shrill debates, I am certain that we will continue to be.” With a view to what is still to come, he says: “You can rely on Germany.”
According to the speech transcript, Steinmeier said that if Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin seriously wanted an end to the war, his troops would have to withdraw from Ukraine. “Russia must be absolutely clear: there can be no victory in its criminal war.” Putin wants to win with all his might, but the truth is: “Anyone who murders and kills, who bombs the Ukraine to pieces, destroys cities and abducts children, who lets their own soldiers bleed to death senselessly day after day, will never be seen before history as a Standing there as a winner has already lost!”
Scholz: Despite challenges, a lot of things “done well”
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) sees Germany on the right track, despite the crises caused by Russia’s attack on Ukraine. “With all the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and also in Germany – we managed a lot quite well,” said Scholz in his video message “KanzlerKompakt”. “We have enough gas and oil. The economy is not in a deep recession. And we have taken in more than a million Ukrainian refugees, thanks to the great willingness to help across the country.”
Scholz again appealed to Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin to put an end to the suffering. “Putin has it in his hands. He can end this war.” Scholz emphasized that it was not the supply of weapons from the West that was prolonging the war. “The opposite is true: the sooner Russia’s president realizes that he will not achieve his imperialist goal, the greater the chance that the war will end soon.” The video message is also available online with Ukrainian subtitles.
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.”