Horror, anger, strong words – the outbreak of war in Ukraine has also triggered violent reactions in Berlin since the early morning. Numerous ministers, from Chancellor down, have spoken, and the tenor is unanimous: We will not forget this “disgrace” to Vladimir Putin.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) was one of the first to strongly condemn the attack early in the morning. Scholz spoke in Berlin of a “blatant breach of international law”. And further: “This is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe.” Germany’s solidarity applies to Ukraine and its people. “Russia must stop this military action immediately,” said the Chancellor, adding: “We will coordinate closely today within the framework of the G7, NATO and the EU.”
In fact, it had already been decided on Wednesday that the EU heads of state and government would meet for a special summit in Brussels that evening. According to his government spokesman, Scholz has also called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit tweeted that he had assured Ukraine “Germany’s full solidarity in this difficult hour”.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also harshly criticized the Russian military operation. “With the attack on Ukraine, Russia is breaking with the most elementary rules of the international order. The world community will not forget Russia on this day of shame,” wrote the Green politician on Thursday in a first reaction on Twitter. Germany will react together with partners. “All our solidarity is with Ukraine,” wrote Baerbock.
Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner has announced a harsh reaction from the West against Russia. The attack on Ukraine was “a nightmare,” tweeted the FDP politician. “Putin exposed himself as a liar.” Together with the partners from the EU, NATO and G7, they show solidarity with Ukraine. “The Kremlin will face tough sanctions,” writes Lindner.
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck was appalled by the Russian attack on Ukraine. “Now the unbelievable has happened. Russia is attacking Ukraine,” said the Vice Chancellor. “We have a land war in Europe that we thought could only be found in history books. It is a shameless breach of international law, we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.” This day is a turning point for Europe and the world. This deliberately engineered Russian aggression will bring suffering to many people. “All strength and solidarity goes to the Ukrainian population,” said Habeck. “For Russia, this attack will have serious political and economic consequences.”
The Federal Foreign Office has once again urged German nationals in Ukraine to leave the country. “Combat operations and rocket attacks are taking place in Ukraine,” the Foreign Office wrote on Twitter on Thursday. “If you cannot leave the country safely, stay in a safe place for the time being.”
The opposition also spoke out in horror and signaled support for the course taken by the federal government. CSU boss Markus Söder spoke out in favor of a united approach by the West on economic sanctions. “It was to be feared what is happening now. We were all still hoping that this could be averted,” said the Bavarian Prime Minister in Munich. There needs to be unity “in every respect”https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/. “As Bavaria, as the CSU, we also stand behind all the measures taken by the federal government,” said Söder. In addition, everything must be done to support Ukraine.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz said the attack was not just about a war against Ukraine. “This is a war against democracy and our freedom.” According to Merz, Putin does not feel threatened by NATO, but by the democracy movements in Ukraine and Belarus.