“If we have to choose between the aggressor and the victims, we are on the side of the law and the people” - Baerbock on forcing peace on Russia's terms

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the annual foreign policy conference of the Heinrich Boell Foundation in Berlin, Ukrinform reports.

“The dictated ceasefire in the current conditions, when part of Ukraine is occupied and missiles and bombs continue to fly, is not for peace in Ukraine, but for the subjugation of the Ukrainian state. Because the absence of war does not automatically mean peace in freedom. A dictated peace is the opposite of a just peace. Because this concept of peace, dictated peace, recognizes the right of the strongest and thus violates international law,” she emphasized.

In addition, the Minister also emphasized the importance of continuing support, as “we are also responsible for what we do not do.”

“If we have to choose between right and wrong, between the aggressor and the victims, we are on the side of the law and the people. Because we do not accept anything in Europe or anywhere else in the world where borders are moved by force and where untold suffering is inflicted on millions of people. We do not agree with the fact that Vladimir Putin wants to impose on us the logic of the past centuries, according to which the law of the strongest is more important than international law,” the diplomat said.

The German FM also reminded of the need to invest more in integrated security amid violations of international law by one of the world's largest countries.

The diplomat emphasized the issue of trust in Germany as a reliable partner.

“The trust of our partners in our country is one of the most important currencies of German foreign policy... For us in the Federal Republic, trust is a key currency,” Baerbock said.

• On February 9, it became known that Germany had handed over 2 Gepard systems, radars, generators and munitions to Ukraine this week.

• On February 11, it was reported that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, commenting on the results of the EU summit, expressed hope that 80 Leopard 2 tanks would be ready for delivery to Ukraine by the end of March.

• Discussions on the transfer of long-range missiles to Ukraine are taking place in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.