SPD party leader Klingbeil is in favor of diplomatic initiatives to end the war in Ukraine. The developments in the live blog.
2:58 a.m
SPD boss promotes diplomatic initiative
Almost a year after the Russian attack on Ukraine, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil is pushing for diplomatic initiatives to end the war. “It annoys me how the term diplomacy is often almost despised in the political debate,” Klingbeil told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “For me, military strength and diplomacy are two sides of the same coin.”
Germany is out of the question as a mediator because it is “unreservedly” on the side of Ukraine. “We have to get away from the fact that the debates about arms deliveries are overturning.” There is dwindling acceptance among the German population when battle tanks are discussed immediately after armored personnel carriers and immediately afterwards about fighter jets. The Chancellor’s “clear statement” applies: “There will be no fighter jets.”
2/8/2023 • 10:29 p.m
Musk wants to limit satellite use in Ukraine
Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Starlink US satellite internet service is taking steps to block Ukraine from using the system to control drones in its war against Russia. Supplying the network was “never intended to be used as a weapon,” says Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of the manufacturer SpaceX.
According to the contract, tarlink is intended only for humanitarian purposes, such as providing broadband internet to hospitals, banks and families affected by the Russian invasion. “We know the military uses Starlink for communications, and that’s fine. But it was never our intention for it to be used for offensive purposes.” Shotwell declined to give details of the measures.
2/8/2023 • 2:51 am
Wednesday’s live blog to read
Ukrainian President Zelenskyj met Chancellor Scholz and French President Macron in Paris. So far, NATO has mobilized around 120 billion US dollars for Ukraine.