Without a Headline
The former Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, has expressed concern about the lack of attention given to Ukraine in the current German federal election campaign. “It’s as if Putin is rubbing his hands together, seeing the Ukraine issue completely disappear in the heated all-against-all election campaign” Melnyk told the Funke Media Group’s newspapers (Wednesday editions).
At the same time, the diplomat is calling for new financial commitments from Ukraine’s European partners, amounting to 100 billion euros. Melnyk, who is currently Ukraine’s ambassador to Brazil but will soon move to the United Nations in New York, is worried about the future of his country.
Ukraine, as well as Europe and Germany, stand at a crossroads. “Given what’s being observed across the Atlantic, the EU and, in particular, the Federal Republic of Germany, as the strongest member state, should take the reins in terms of Ukraine aid” Melnyk said.
He advocates for EU member states to allocate at least 0.5 percent of their gross domestic product for Ukraine’s defense. The sum of 100 billion euros would seem a lot, but would only cost every EU citizen about 61 cents per day and would be “the best investment in European security.” Melnyk argues that the EU would thereby drastically reduce the risk of a Russian attack on itself and the investment would be worth it.
Moreover, Melnyk believes that only a “brave, forward-looking stance” by Europeans could force Putin to negotiate, as he seems to believe his killer troops are unstoppable. “Only a bold, forward-looking performance by the Europeans could effectively compel Putin to engage in genuine negotiations” Melnyk said.
According to Melnyk, Germany should take the lead in this “new European concert.” Therefore, he holds it important that Ukraine not be forgotten in the federal election campaign. “While the ongoing migration debate should not be allowed to overshadow the fact that the core theme of war and peace, as well as security in Europe, remains the A and O for people.”
Given the expected election outcome, Melnyk is appealing to the CDU’s chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, to clearly position himself and make concrete commitments to Ukraine – and to win over the SPD as a potential coalition partner.