Steinmeier explains why Germans should care about war in Ukraine

Throughout his speech at Valdai Discussion Club, Putin exhibited extreme rudeness to the collective West, especially Germany. Several times he hinted that Germany lacks independence and is being under the influence of Washington.

A reply immediately arrived from Germany. And what kind of reply that was! And from whom! President Steinmeier made such an address to the nation that Denmark shuddered.

Steinmeier’s speech convinced me that Germany will support Ukraine until its victory, however long it takes.

“Harder years, tough years are coming.”

The main 10 theses from Steinmeier’s address:

1. February 24 marked the beginning of a new era.

2. Germany needs to discard old ways of thinking and discard old hopes. This especially applies to the relations with Russia.

3. The world is on the way to a phase of confrontation and “harder years, harsh years are coming” for Germany.

4. China's pursuit of economic and political power will define international relations for the foreseeable future.

5. What we need is not a war mentality, but resilience and a spirit of resistance. Germany needs “first of all a strong and well-equipped Bundeswehr (German army). This is what the people of our country expect, as well as our neighbors and partners.

“An unjust peace is not true peace - it carries the seeds of new wars. An unjust peace will strengthen all those in the world whose thirst for power knows no laws and rules.”

6. Yes, sanctions have their price, for Germany as well. But what would be the alternative? It is in Germany's interests to free itself from dependence on a regime that sends tanks against a neighboring country and uses energy as a weapon. It is in Germany’s interests to protect itself and reduce its vulnerability.

7. The false "peace" that the world will get as a result of agreeing to Putin's terms, the "peace" that cements Putin's seizure of foreign land is not peace. An unjust peace is not peace - it carries the seeds of new wars. An unjust peace will strengthen all those in the world whose thirst for power knows no laws and rules.

8. The coming years will require Germany to make certain sacrifices.

9. Putin is trying to divide Europe, and he is injecting poison into the heart of German society. The railway network, energy supply, the Internet, applications on mobile phones - all this has already been the object of attacks. Germany must protect itself better.

10. People who shrug and ask: "What does this war have to do with us Germans?" - has neither a sense of responsibility nor an understanding of history. Therefore, we support Ukraine and will do so as long as necessary.

Source: Serhii Marchenko Facebook page.

About the author: Serhii Marchenko, expert in labor market analysis, blogger.

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