Pistorius: Supporting Ukraine comes at high cost, but defeat would be far more expensive
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine).
Supporting Ukraine in the war initiated by Russia is costly for Germany. However, a Ukrainian defeat due to a cessation of aid will cost much more, stated German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius, according to Ukrinform.
"We must recognize that if Ukraine loses this war because we, or the West as a whole, stop supporting it, then tomorrow there will be no Ukraine. Yes, supporting Ukraine is expensive, but the defeat of the Ukrainians will cost us much more," said Pistorius.
He noted that this cost will depend not only on the military threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin but also on the flow of refugees from Ukraine that could be provoked by a defeat.
In this context, Pistorius urged anyone advocating for an end to support for Ukraine, citing that "this is not our war," to always consider the consequences. He particularly criticized similar statements from German populist parties BSW and AfD.
"The very same people who campaign against refugees are the ones who provoke the next wave of refugees by not supporting Ukraine. And this is just one aspect," he emphasized.
The German Defense Minister also pointed out that Putin's war against Ukraine is an act of "destroying the rules-based international order." According to him, if Putin achieves his goals, he will conclude that the West is weak and that he can do whatever he wants.
In such a case, Moldova or Georgia could be next, or at some point, Putin might decide to wage war against the Baltic states, which are NATO members.
"What message does this send to other autocrats around the world who are waiting to see that the West is not prepared to uphold the international order? That is why it is so important for us to do this (support Ukraine - ed.), and for as long as necessary. At least until Ukraine can say, 'Now we can bring Putin to the negotiating table,'" Pistorius stated.
He stressed the need to make every effort to restore peace in Europe, but currently, there are no signs that peaceful and secure coexistence with Russia is possible in the near future. The Minister noted that so far, Putin has not shown any readiness for a peaceful resolution, at least on terms that would be partially acceptable to Ukraine.
"I believe we should continue to provide Ukrainians with all possible support so they can find themselves in a situation where they can achieve that goal. At the same time, I believe we need to be even tougher in our sanctions against Russia. There are still too many loopholes," he concluded.
