German defense expert warns Putin could target Germany after Ukraine, urges NATO strength
"We should not naively assume that Putin is incapable of such actions. It is possible, and we should prepare for it," said Strack-Zimmermann on the "Die Wochentester" podcast for the regional newspaper "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger". She emphasized that it is Germany's responsibility to deter him from making such bold moves by strengthening NATO and preparing for war, ensuring "it never happens."
Addressing the criticism that supplying weapons to Ukraine would amount to warmongering, the FDP's candidate for the presidency of the European Parliament examined past major conflicts and concluded that they were determined by military action rather than by negotiation. She said, "No one ever negotiated with Adolf Hitler. There was no escaping punishment for war criminals".
Putin may not stop at Ukraine
In an interview with the ntv channel on Thursday, Strack-Zimmermann warned against a potential Russian victory in Ukraine.
"If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, he might not stop there," she cautioned.
Strack-Zimmermann, the chairperson of the Defence Committee, also called for steadfast opposition against the Russian president.
"Vladimir Putin, is not simply a man but a monster, who respects only strength and resilience. He has no respect for weakness," stressed the FDP politician. She opined that Putin was likely pleased when the proposal from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) to supply Ukraine with Taurus maneuvering missiles was turned down in the Bundestag.
On that note, Strack-Zimmermann was the sole representative from the ruling coalition who supported the CDU/CSU proposal.
"I supported it specifically because the Taurus system was mentioned," she elucidated, adding, "I don't want the regret of not having done everything necessary when it was most crucial."
