Silence can be more destructive than speaking out loud and clearly - German Foreign Minister Baerbock on Russian crimes

It is reported by the Berlin Table with reference to Baerbock’s statement.

"Sometimes silence can be more destructive than speaking out loud and clearly. Half the world does nothing but kneels before him. Putin wants to break or destroy the Ukrainian people," she stressed.

According to Baerbock, despite all international efforts, it does not look like Putin plans to stop his brutal destruction in 2023.

"The fact is that it depends only on the Russian president whether Ukrainians will be able to live in peace and freedom again. The Russian president started this brutal war of aggression. And only he can end it. If Russia stops bombing and withdraws its soldiers - there will be peace. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no more Ukraine," Baerbock said.

In addition, the minister warned against dictated peace - the search for a compromise to end the Russian war against Ukraine.

"Behind this is the fact that one could simply accept the peace dictated by Russia. And we see on the example of Belarus that the absence of war does not mean peace or even the cessation of violence, because people live neither in safety nor in freedom. We know from the Russian-occupied territories what it means to subject women to rape, men to murder and torture, children to abduction."

Baerbock stressed that Putin wants to destroy the Ukrainian people, and this is exactly what the world must prevent. At the same time, the minister "hopes that the Russian President will come to his senses".

"But the principle of hope does not stop wars, but leaves people to death. And diplomacy is not only about talking to aggressors, it is also about cultivating international relations, strengthening the United Nations, providing humanitarian assistance to women, men and children in need," she added.

• On December 6, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on Germany to demonstrate leadership and finally transfer Leopard 2 tanks, Patriot systems and Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine.
• On December 7, the United States said it supported the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but noted that it should be initiated by Germany.