In view of the consequences of the Ukraine war, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized that there should be no social imbalance in Germany. In an interview with “Stern”, she is also convinced that Germany will remain in solidarity with Ukraine over a long period of time – even if Russian President Putin turns off the gas tap completely.
“There is no lasting prosperity without freedom and security in Europe, especially for Germany as a trading nation.” In the short term, new sources and supply routes must now be developed. In addition, the government has also passed the world’s largest renewable energy acceleration law, which shortens the approval of new plants and boosts investments. Furthermore, the government wants to support the population in the gas crisis with relief packages.
Baerbock currently sees no chance of negotiations with Russia in the Ukraine war and at the same time does not want to give any forecasts as to where the war could be at the end of the year. “What can you negotiate with someone who is not even willing to agree on humanitarian corridors for the escape of civilians with the International Committee of the Red Cross?” she said in an interview with “Stern”. Putin’s message was in every conversation: The attacks will continue until Ukraine submits to his ideas, even if it costs many lives.
The Green politician firmly rejects calls for an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations, as recently expressed in an open letter. “I can’t understand how you can make the world so easy for yourself as an adult. And as a Ukrainian, I would find the letter naive, disturbing, arrogant,” said Baerbock. “What right would a German foreign minister have to decide on behalf of Ukraine which part of her country she should hand over, how many millions of her citizens have to submit to Russia’s rule?”
She doesn’t see any signs that Putin would leave the rest of Ukraine alone if the Ukrainians didn’t continue to fight back. Baerbock emphasizes that she is an optimist. No one can foresee whether the balance of power in the Russian government will suddenly change. “Autocracies can blackmail consent, but they cannot prevent the elite from leaving the country,” said Baerbock. “Putin is sacrificing his own country. I wonder how long this can go on.”
Baerbock has had no direct contact with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov since the outbreak of war. She would like a situation in which it would be possible to say: “Come on, Sergej, let’s negotiate peace,” says Baerbock. However, she doubts that he still has the mandate of the Russian leadership, since Putin is increasingly governing in even smaller circles. “It is questionable what role the Russian foreign minister will play in this.” At the G20 summit, the G7 foreign ministers were careful not to be seen with Lavrov: “I’m not doing my part in a Russian propaganda show,” emphasizes Baerbock.
The Foreign Minister particularly emphasized Germany’s leading power. In view of the western world’s support for reunification, Germany must now give something back. “As the strongest economic nation in Europe, we have management responsibility. And our neighbors expect us to take notice of them.” Peace remains the leitmotif of German foreign policy.
But that also means fighting back and, as a last resort, providing military support to threatened peoples, she says. “Because even inaction, looking the other way when it comes to the worst crimes against humanity, can make you guilty,” explains the Green politician, who was in Ukraine herself. “We could be those victims,” she says of her visit to the Kiev suburb of Bucha.
