German Finance Minister warns against weakening support for Ukraine and 'freezing' war
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (photo: Getty Images)
German Finance Minister Christian Lindner warns against weakening the allied countries' support for Ukraine, which is repelling Russia's large-scale military aggression. The official also criticized some initiatives to "freeze" the war.
The German Finance Minister noted that the Kremlin is trying to disrupt peace in Europe and redraw borders with its aggression.
"Our peace and our freedom are under threat. Putin is not just concerned about Ukraine, he wants to change the order of peace and freedom in Europe. He wants power over us to control our way of life and our prosperity," Lindner emphasizes.
In this context, the German official appealed to the countries of the West to support Ukraine and warned of possible consequences for Europe if the Kremlin's efforts in the war were successful.
"Anyone who gets tired of supporting Ukraine because it is too hard or too expensive should think about the consequences. The danger of war would come closer to us," the German Finance Minister said.
Lindner also opposes the idea of "freezing" the war, as suggested by the leader of the German parliamentary group SPD Rolf Mützenich.
"Russia has committed war crimes. For Ukraine, it is the existence of the state. And for people, it is often a matter of survival. We cannot freeze this situation," he emphasized.
The German minister added that such considerations of "freezing" would not be accepted by states that feel threatened by Moscow, such as the Baltic states.
Germany's position on Ukraine
Germany has become one of the countries helping Ukraine by providing military, political, and financial support. Berlin has provided several types of artillery, old and new Leopard tanks, IRIS-T and Patriot air defense systems, ammunition, vehicles, drones, and other weapons.
Berlin has recently provided Ukraine with a new military aid package.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also helped Ukraine with its European integration. However, Scholz is blocking the transfer of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, although discussions on this issue are still ongoing.
Calls to freeze the war
Recently, the leader of the German SPD parliamentary group, Rolf Mützenich, during a debate in the Bundestag, called for a freeze on the war in Ukraine.
Earlier, Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of the Presidential Office, noted that freezing the war would only lead to a large-scale resumption.
At the same time, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opposed an abrupt cessation of hostilities, as it would not be a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
In addition, the leader of the German Green Party, Omid Nouripour, responded sharply to the proposal to "freeze" the war in Ukraine.
At the same time, the Bundeswehr Inspector General warned against freezing the war in Ukraine.
