“It’s also about our freedom”

Heinrich August Winkler

For the historian it is imperative to effectively support the Ukraine in its defensive struggle — not in spite of but because of German history.

(Photo: Imago, AP)

Rarely has an event shaken Western beliefs like the open war of aggression against Ukraine that Russia launched a year ago. When it comes to classifying events, tracing possible analogies or recognizing recurring patterns of action, historians are primarily in demand.

Heinrich August Winkler, one of the most renowned historians in Germany, explains in an interview with the Handelsblatt why military restraint is a sensible maxim, but it should not become an “alibi for aversion to responsibility”.

Mr. Winkler, the war in Ukraine lasts a year, and it was initially said that Russia would need a few weeks or months to gain control. Did that surprise you?
I didn’t expect the Ukrainians to resist in such a united and sustained manner. I am deeply impressed by their perseverance and bravery.

Read on now

Get access to this and every other article in the

Web and in our app free of charge for 4 weeks.

Further

Read on now

Get access to this and every other article in the

Web and in our app — 4 weeks for €1.

Further

source site-11