Germany debates critical role in supporting Ukraine's struggle
Politicians and analysts in Germany openly express admiration for Ukraine's determination in its ongoing fight against the Russian invasion, which has lasted nearly three years. However, experts assess that after a thousand days of Russia's brutal invasion, Ukraine's situation remains challenging.
3:22 PM EST, November 19, 2024
An article on the German portal RND, published on Tuesday, the thousandth day of Russia's full-scale aggression against Kyiv, highlights that Russian troops have been gaining territory on a scale unseen since 2022 for several months now. The portal quotes Christian Freuding, the head of Ukraine's special staff in the German Ministry of Defense, who confirms that the Kremlin is taking the initiative on all fronts.
"Russia currently dominates on all fronts. Continuing support for Ukraine is our duty. After a thousand days, which means almost three years of conflict, it is clear to us that Putin and Russia respond only to a show of strength. We must do everything in our power to ensure that Ukraine can oppose from a position of strength," emphasizes Freuding.
"Grim prospects." German media evaluate Ukraine's situation
According to RND, although Germany is the second-largest supporter of Ukraine, the most significant support comes from the United States. This assessment is based on absolute values, as "in terms of support as a percentage of gross domestic product, Germany ranks 14th," notes the author.
RND also recalls the statement of the future Vice President of the USA, J.D. Vance, who suggested in the "Financial Times" that Europe should take on greater responsibility for supporting Ukraine in the future. While Germany is Europe's leading economy, Vance stated that it depends on imported energy and borrowed military power.
According to RND, Germany would not be able, and moreover, would not be willing, to replace American support on a larger scale. The article also refers to the internal dispute within the German government over further support for Kyiv, which has caused discord among coalition partners from the SPD, Greens, and FDP.
"While Western cohesion is weakening, Russia is forming a dangerous alliance with China and Iran," states RND. The portal also recalls Russia's military cooperation with North Korea, which resulted in the presence of over 10,000 North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russia in Europe.
Donald Trump suggested that he would be able to end the conflict in Ukraine within 24 hours or even before the presidential inauguration on January 20. RND expresses concern that Trump could force Zelensky to make peace with Putin on terms requiring the concession of occupied territories, which would constitute a reward for the aggressor and a victory for Putin over the West.
