On the second anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Chancellor Scholz called for a policy of deterrence. Germany and Europe would have to do more to be able to defend themselves effectively.
Two years of war in the middle of Europe: On the occasion of the second anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for greater efforts in Germany and Europe to ensure effective defense. Russia tramples on the principle of not changing borders through violence “every day”, said the Chancellor in his weekly video message. “Russia is not only attacking Ukraine, but also destroying the peace order in Europe.”
Ukraine will therefore be supported in its self-defense – “and for as long as necessary”, emphasized the Chancellor. “And we, Germany and Europe, are doing more – and must do more – so that we can defend ourselves effectively.”
“…let no one dare attack us”
A return to the policy of deterrence is necessary. Words like “deterrence” and “defense readiness” were “words unfamiliar to some people coming from the mouth of a Federal Chancellor,” Scholz said. But they represent an important task: “Together with our allies, we must be so strong that no one dares to attack us. This is how we guarantee our security. And this is how we defend peace in Europe.”
The best guarantee for this continues to be NATO – “on both sides of the Atlantic”, highlighted the Chancellor. Germany strengthens its Bundeswehr and the defense of Europe. “This is our contribution to a strong NATO.”
In doing so, the Chancellor indirectly addressed the debate recently sparked by former US President Donald Trump over the level of military spending by NATO members.
Scholz and the turning point
This year, for the first time in decades, Germany is investing two percent of its economic production in defense, said the Chancellor, in view of the target demanded by NATO for its members. “And it will continue to do so in the coming years and decades,” he promised. At the same time, he admitted that “the Bundeswehr has been neglected for many years”. That's no secret either. “Since the turning point, this is over,” he said, alluding to his “turning point” speech in the Bundestag on February 27, 2022. At that time, he also announced the 100 million euro special fund for the Bundeswehr.
New helicopters and fighters
Scholz highlighted that 80 billion euros from the special fund for the Bundeswehr have already been reserved “to better equip our soldiers”. New helicopters and fighters have been ordered, the Navy is receiving new frigates and submarines, and the Army is modernizing armored personnel carriers. At the same time, air defense against missiles and drones is being expanded.
Scholz emphasized that cooperation with European partners is also important to build an efficient defense industry in Germany and Europe. “The most important weapons systems and, above all, ammunition must continually roll off the production line.” To do this, Europeans would have to unite their orders. “All of this demands a lot from us, including financially,” admitted Scholz. “But one thing is very clear: without security, everything else is nothing.” Without security there is no freedom, there is no democracy and there are no human rights. Germany is on the right path: “We defend our security – with determination and a sense of proportion”.
Ukraine on the defensive
Two years ago, on February 24, 2022, Russian troops attacked the neighboring country in a large-scale operation. Since then, Ukraine has defended itself against aggressors, also with the help of Western weapons. After much hesitation, Germany is now one of Kiev's biggest military supporters. However, the country has been on the defensive against the massive aggressor for some time now – in part due to a lack of ammunition. More recently, Russian troops conquered Avdiivka in the east after months of fighting. This is considered the Russian army's greatest success in the war since the capture of the nearby town of Bakhmut in May last year.
Shocked: territories occupied by Russia