Scholz’ trip is a good signal, says the FDP defense politician.
(Photo: IMAGO/Mauersberger)
Berlin The Chairwoman of the Defense Committee in the Bundestag, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP), welcomes Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s (SPD) trip to Ukraine. “I very much hope that the opportunity will be taken to talk to each other openly,” Strack-Zimmermann told the Handelsblatt.
Such communication is better than the indirect route via ambassadors or the press. “If you sit together in person, then hopefully some things will become clear,” she added, referring to the past disagreements between Berlin and Kyiv.
Olaf Scholz had previously refrained from traveling due to the Ukrainian government’s refusal to visit Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. “I hope that the diplomatic practices will be discarded and that all points will be crystal clear on the table,” she says.
>> Read more here to the current developments of the Scholz trip
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In addition to open communication, Strack-Zimmermann also called for concrete results from the trip, such as the delivery of weapons or the prospect of an accession process to the European Union. At the same time, she also made it clear: “There can be no shortcuts.” Ukraine must meet the EU accession criteria.
Nevertheless, it was a strong signal from the EU that Scholz had traveled with the Italian and French presidents. In a joint conversation, it should also be discussed how the three countries can still support Ukraine. “I am of the opinion that this war can only be solved militarily, i.e. with the help of the weapons of NATO partners,” said Strack-Zimmermann.
The defense politician, who traveled to Kyiv in April together with Anton Hofreiter (Greens) and Michael Roth (SPD), wished Scholz a safe return above all. She was never one of those who urged the chancellor to make such a trip. “Ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves – after all, this is not a coffee trip.”
More: Only heavy weapons can stop Russia in the Donbass