Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht campaigned in the Bundestag for the planned billion-euro program to modernize the Bundeswehr. “We are giving our Bundeswehr back its full operational readiness,” said the SPD politician on Wednesday, referring to the announced special fund of 100 billion euros to strengthen the armed forces. She can assure those who have always pointed out equipment promises that have not been kept in the past: “But now, action is being taken.”
The attack on Ukraine ordered by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is “a war – and I say this clearly and with a heavy heart – that we did not recognize in time and that we perhaps did not want to admit,” said the SPD politician. “It is a war in which Russia has given up all, all values of civilization.”
At the same time, she assured: “We stand firmly by the side of these allies in Eastern Europe, whom Putin has been threatening for a long time. And these threats must be taken seriously.” Germany and the EU have imposed “unprecedented sanctions” on Russia. Germany also supports Ukraine with the supply of weapons. But it must be clear “As an alliance, we must not become a war party”.
She again and explicitly warned against disclosing details about the delivery of weapons. Transports should not be targeted and would be observed by Russia.