Scholz proposes declaring state of emergency in Germany due to war in Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (photo: Getty Images)
The Bundestag should recognize the war in Ukraine as a state of emergency in terms of its consequences for Germany and Europe. Given the recent statements from representatives of the Trump administration, this issue can no longer be postponed, according to a statement from the head of the government for the press.
According to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Bundestag must urgently pass a resolution classifying the war in Ukraine and its serious consequences for the security of Germany and Europe as a state of emergency under Article 115, paragraph 2 of the Constitution.
"As a result, our support for Ukraine, which is more crucial than ever, will no longer come at the expense of other tasks that our state must carry out for its citizens," the chancellor emphasized.
Scholz stressed that this is about the peace and security of our country. He is convinced that, given the statements from representatives of the US administration over the past 24 hours, the response to this issue can no longer be postponed.
Collective defense and security
Chancellor Scholz also intends to advance the discussion within the EU on methods of investing in collective defense and building a powerful European defense industry.
He reminded that, at one point, he made serious decisions to decisively respond to the turning point marked by the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.
"Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation. Today, we must confront the reality of what the actions and statements from the US administration mean for Ukraine, Europe, and the world. Failure to act will mean a threat to the security of our country and our continent. I will not allow that to happen at this critical time for our country," the German leader promised.
Controversial US plan to end the war in Ukraine
US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12.
Following the call, the White House stated that there was a good opportunity to end the war.
Subsequently, several Trump administration officials asserted that Ukraine is unable to regain control of the territories occupied by Russia since 2014. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset also acknowledged that Ukraine’s NATO membership should not be part of peace negotiations, while Trump rejected the idea of Ukraine joining the Alliance, stating that Russia will not allow it.
Many Western media outlets speculate that the direct conversation between Trump and Putin could indicate that the U.S. might pursue a peace deal in Ukraine without involving Ukraine or European countries.
In Berlin, the latest remarks from Trump and his team were met with criticism. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described these statements as concessions to Russia before negotiations even begin.
