Berlin Dismisses Russian Concerns Over Ukraine Support, Emphasizes Stronger Defense for the Country
Following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of plans for a new coalition of states to support Kyiv against Moscow, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that the European security must focus on a “strong” Ukraine, effectively rejecting Russia’s position on the matter.
Starmer hosted an emergency meeting in London on Sunday, acknowledging that some of the supporters of Kyiv might only have limited resources, but these must be urgently deployed. Scholz, speaking to the press, did not comment on the possibility of Berlin sending troops, but emphasized that Ukraine will continue to receive financial and military support.
“It is clear that we must support Ukraine financially and with military means” he said. The German government’s website published a “minutes” of the London meeting of European state and government leaders, titled: “Ukraine can rely on our support.” The document includes three quoted points from Scholz’s statement to the press, stating that the country’s defense capability is crucial for any future peace order and that the European security must be strengthened.
Moscow has recently reiterated its argument that the conflict is provoked by the NATO’s expansion towards its borders and has ruled out a temporary ceasefire, seeking a lasting solution. Moscow represents the view that peace can be achieved if Ukraine commits to neutrality, demilitarization and denazification and recognizes the territorial status quo in the region.
Scholz reminded German taxpayers of the fact that Germany has already provided 44 billion euros in support for Ukraine, stating that international and transatlantic support for the country is crucial for its security and that of Europe.
According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), Germany, with around 18 billion dollars in military and other aid, is the second-largest single state provider, after the US.
Scholz, however, dismissed Moscow’s concerns, saying that “Russia’s perspectives cannot be accepted” and that “the question of demilitarization, which Russia demands, cannot be accepted.” He also stated that “Ukraine must be so strong that it will not be attacked again.”
The German Chancellor also expressed concern over the possibility of a less confrontational government in Kyiv, which he considers unacceptable for a “democratic and sovereign nation” like Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s five-year term has expired, but he has refused to hold new elections, citing the 2022 war law. After US President Donald Trump called him a “dictator without elections” Ukrainian lawmakers passed a bill supporting his claims to presidential powers on the second attempt.
Following a lengthy phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump last month, the Kremlin signaled its willingness to start a peace process, emphasizing that the root causes of the conflict must be addressed. Moscow is strongly against NATO troops, even under the guise of peacekeeping forces and views Kiyv’s efforts to join the bloc as a reason for the conflict’s escalation at the beginning of 2022.
Scholz concluded his statement in London by saying, “Many things were well discussed here. It will be the same in the coming days, the next time in Brussels.