diplomacy
Baerbock on Fox News: “Stand together” against Putin
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) is interviewed by presenter Bret Baier on a program on the US television channel Fox News. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
In the USA there is criticism of Germany’s allegedly too hesitant support for Ukraine. Baerbock doesn’t want to leave it like that – and allows himself to be interviewed by an ultra-conservative TV station.
In doing so, she also encountered critical voices, especially from the ranks of the Republicans, who accused the federal government of a lack of commitment. “We are stronger than Putin’s brutal aggression,” added Baerbock.
Asked how the war could end, Baerbock said: “With freedom and peace for Ukraine. And we will support Ukraine as long as it lasts.” The Green Party politician also spoke about her visit to Texas, where she met Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Baerbock said she wanted to get an idea of everyday life in the general population. She also found out about how the state, known for its rich oil reserves, is switching more and more to renewable energy.
TV appearance between the president’s son and aliens
There was a technical glitch during the six-minute conversation with the minister, which is why Baier was replaced by substitute moderator Rich Edson for two questions. The right-wing conservative broadcaster’s interview with Baerbock was embedded in reporting on the indictment of US President’s son Hunter Biden and the announcement of an interview with the controversial Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The show also featured a report on findings about extraterrestrials.
Baerbock meets US Secretary of State Blinken
Today Baerbock continues her visit to Washington with consultations with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Further support for Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia, is also likely to play an important role at this meeting. Before the start of the UN General Assembly in New York at the beginning of next week, it is also expected that topics such as further dealings with China and measures to prevent the worsening of the climate crisis will be addressed.
The mood in the USA before the presidential elections in November 2024 could also play a role in Baerbock’s conversation with Blinken. There is concern in the federal government that Republican Donald Trump could become president again. In this case, it remains unclear how the future US government would position itself in multilateral organizations. During Trump’s first term in office, the US government alienated many allies by going it alone on the international stage.
Since Tuesday, Baerbock has been getting an idea of the political and social situation in the USA. Before her visit to the capital, she spent two days in Texas. Like Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), she will take part in the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) next week.
Baerbock speaks to Republicans
After a meeting with opposition Republican congressmen yesterday, Baerbock made it clear that she also sees support for long-term support for Ukraine within the ranks of the Trump party. If Putin wins the war against Ukraine because there is no longer any further support for Kiev from Europeans and Americans, “that would also be a fatal signal to other dictatorships, to other autocracies in this world,” said the minister.