A leading German parliamentarian is urging continued, robust support for Ukraine, arguing that unwavering Western resolve is the only language Russian President Vladimir Putin understands and the key to forcing a cessation of hostilities.
Andreas Schwarz, a Social Democrat (SPD) member of the Bundestag and a prominent voice on defense policy, told “Bild” newspaper that appeasement would be a dangerous miscalculation. “Putin only understands strength and firmness. The Western world and particularly Europe, must continue to support Ukraine with all available means and adhere to a policy of deterrence. Anything else would be naive” he stated.
Schwarz’s comments come amidst renewed scrutiny of Western commitment to Ukraine, particularly following the brutal Russian offensives over the Christmas period. He emphasized that Putin’s actions consistently mirror his publicly stated intentions, highlighting the recent intensified attacks as further evidence of his unwavering trajectory.
The politician’s assessment reflects a growing concern within some German political circles that any perceived weakening of support could be interpreted by Putin as a sign of Western resolve crumbling. While acknowledging the significant financial and military burdens placed on European nations, Schwarz’s statement reinforces the argument that failing to provide Ukraine with the resources it needs will ultimately embolden Putin and prolong the conflict, potentially with far more devastating consequences for European security. The question now facing policymakers is how to maintain this level of commitment, particularly as domestic economic pressures mount and public fatigue begins to set in.