Putin is not ready for peace not on his terms - Pistorius
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is not currently demonstrating readiness for peace.
This was stated by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a debate in the Bundestag on March 18, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.
Putin's intentions
"Russia poses the greatest threat to European security. Even after ceasefire proposals and other measures, Putin continues to act with steady brutality against Ukraine and its civilians. And his public reaction also makes it clear that he does not want peace, at least not on his terms. And while a ceasefire is being discussed, ladies and gentlemen, the outcome of this war and the long-term security of Ukraine remain uncertain. And so, in the end, much will depend on us, Europeans," Pistorius said.
He also emphasized that Europe needs a new, common security policy. It is about taking responsibility for its own defense, for the people of the European continent and for NATO, the politician emphasized.
But, Pistorius noted, this does not mean that it is necessary to question relations with the United States, a longtime ally. Europe wants and needs a close transatlantic alliance and partnership. Increased defense spending will, in his view, contribute to this goal by making the Alliance even stronger and putting it on two legs: North America and Europe.
G5 defense ministers reaffirm support for Ukraine
The minister informed that a few days ago he met again in Paris with his four counterparts from France, the United Kingdom, Poland and Italy, a group that was created the day after Donald Trump's re-election. The five defense ministers discussed how they can support Ukraine in the long term, even after the war is over, and how they can ensure their own defense capabilities. At its summit in June, Pistorius added, NATO will decide on its objectives and how to respond to the changing threat environment, because the security situation has changed because of Putin's war against Ukraine, he reminded. But it is also changing because of a certain loss of US attention to Europe.
"Our responsibility is growing, and with it the burden we have to bear as Europeans. And we Germans will have to play a central role in Europe," Pistorius said.
He assured that this view is shared in all European capitals. This means more troops, more equipment, and faster operational readiness. The minister believes that it is fully justified to free the defense budget from the so-called debt brake (restrictions on new debts). In this way, Pistorius noted, more flexibility and better planning will be created, which is essential for the defense industry.
Bundeswehr defense spending
"In order to prevent these funds from being diverted elsewhere, all Bundeswehr expenditures above 1% of GDP should no longer be subject to the debt brake. In this way, we ensure stable funding for our armed forces, our civil defense and our intelligence services without jeopardizing other urgently needed investments. This is a new, historic decision," the politician explained.
In addition, he assured that procurement for the Bundeswehr will be increased and become more efficient; no longer will it take years or decades to get the materials they need cheaply and efficiently. The troops' capabilities need to be improved in all areas: Air defense, artillery, logistics, space reconnaissance, cyber and information space. The Bundeswehr needs more drones, cruise missiles, and more vision equipment. It needs more personnel, both active duty and reservists, the Defense Minister listed.
"The days when we could lull ourselves to sleep with the hope that others will ensure our security are over. Our allies rightly expect Germany to step out of the shadows of security policy. And this is only possible with a strong Bundeswehr... We are facing one of the biggest, if not the biggest, security policy challenges in our country's history. A challenge that we cannot overcome alone. We need a strong Europe that is able to protect our prosperity, our freedom and our security for us, but above all for future generations. We, Europeans, have to grow up. We must take responsibility," Pistorius summarized.
Earlier, Pistorius said that Germany had formed an aid package for Ukraine worth 3 billion euros.
