“Germany must take leadership at this historical stage” – the head of the German MFA calls on Poland and France to cooperate

abroad Minister Annalena Baerbock delivered yesterday a speech on German solidarity with Ukraine and presented a six-point plan to strengthen the safety of Ukraine and Europe. The speech was a consequence to events the erstwhile day from Washington.

Minister Baerbock pointed out that the planet had entered a fresh era of ruthlessness in which the principles of global governance are threatened. She stressed that it was a time erstwhile “with determination to defend global law and the sovereignty of states”. Germany, as part of a free and democratic Europe, stands unequivocally on the side of Ukraine, which fights for its freedom and the future of the continent.

Baerbock recalled that Russian aggression on Ukraine has already lasted 3 years, and Russian war crimes – brutal murders, rapes and kid abductions – are inactive taking place. She recalled the death of a Ukrainian writer as a consequence of a drone attack in Bucza as 1 of the last evidence of the aggressor's cruelty.

Six-point Action Plan

To respond effectively to the challenges posed by Russia's aggression, the Minister presented a six-point plan to strengthen Ukraine and guarantee Europe's security.

1. Increasing German support for Ukraine – Minister Baerbock called on Bundestag to immediately approve blocked financial assistance for Ukraine of EUR 3 billion.
2. Decisions of the European Council "The forthcoming European Council in Brussels should take key decisions on a broad financial package for Ukraine, including humanitarian, economical and military aid.
3. Enhanced global cooperation – Germany must cooperate closely with France, the UK and Poland in the supply of air defence systems and long-range weapons for Ukraine.
4. United Europe as the best defence "Strengthening Europe's defence capabilities is crucial to prevent further expansion of Russia. The Minister stressed the request for large investments in European defence capabilities and the creation of a European defence fund.
5. Reform of German fiscal policy – Baerbock called for a improvement of the German “debt brake” which limits the backing possibilities for the essential safety measures. She stressed that cybersecurity and protection against hybrid attacks are an integral part of Germany's and Europe's defence strategy.
6. Strategic restraint and transatlantic cooperation “Despite the tension, Germany has to make decisions with a prudent and cool head. The Minister stressed that it is crucial for peace in Ukraine to proceed to cooperate with the US and NATO.

Germany as a leader in Europe

Minister Baerbock stressed that Germany must take over leadership in Europe and cannot wait for political negotiations to be concluded. It called on all democratic parties to cooperate in key safety decisions.

At the end of her speech, she stressed the importance of Europe as a task of peace and freedom, which must stay strong and steadfast in the face of aggression. Her words ended with the cry: “The fame of Ukraine! Long live Europe!”