Status: 08.05.2022 6:00 p.m
“For me, this is a May 8th like no other”: In a televised speech, Chancellor Scholz justified support for Ukraine with Germany’s responsibility for the Second World War. Germany stands by the side of the attacked.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has highlighted Germany’s historic responsibility in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression. “We learned a key lesson from our country’s catastrophic history between 1933 and 1945,” said the SPD politician in a televised speech on May 8, 1945, marking the 77th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. It read: “Never again war. Never genocide again. No more tyranny.”
In the current situation, this can only mean: “We defend justice and freedom – on the side of the attacked. We support Ukraine in the fight against the aggressor.”
“Liberty and security will prevail”
Scholz stressed that he was deeply convinced that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not win the war. Ukraine will survive. “Freedom and security will triumph – just as freedom and security triumphed over bondage, violence and dictatorship 77 years ago.”
Contributing to this to the best of one’s ability today means “never again”. Therein lies the legacy of May 8th. At the same time, the chancellor justified the government’s line of support for Ukraine. For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, weapons were sent to a war zone. “And always carefully consider heavy equipment, too. We’ll continue with that.”
Scholz added: “At the same time, we don’t just do everything that one or the other is asking for.” Because he swore in his oath of office to avert damage from the German people. “That includes protecting our country and our allies from danger.”