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FDP defense politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann: »Ukraine must be able to defend itself.
Do not hesitate, do not hesitate - boldness and courage.«
Photo: Michael Kappeler / dpa
With a decision of their federal party congress, the FDP demands a delivery of heavy weapons from Germany to Ukraine.
The country must be supported quickly and effectively in fending off the Russian war of aggression, according to a motion by the federal executive board, which, according to the party congress presidium, was passed with an "overwhelming majority" on Saturday.
"This also includes the delivery of heavy weapons and the rapid provision of armaments by German industry, for which Germany, as announced, will provide the financing," the decision says.
"We Free Democrats support Ukraine in exercising its legitimate right to military self-defense against the Russian war of aggression," the delegates affirmed.
The most important and short-term most effective means of stopping the Russian advance is the significant intensification and acceleration of the delivery of highly effective weapons to the Ukrainian army.
The FDP welcomes the previously announced exchange of rings, in which eastern NATO allies will hand over weapons systems that have already been introduced to Ukraine in exchange for material from Germany.
'Our own defenses must not be compromised.
And Germany must not become a party to the war," the resolution reads.
Germany should also act "in unison" with allies, especially the United States and France.
The party congress welcomed the increase in the so-called training aid for Ukraine to two billion euros.
Before the vote, the FDP defense expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann had campaigned insistently for the application to be accepted - and received a standing ovation and long-lasting applause from the delegates.
"The order of the day is to also supply the Ukrainians with heavy weapons," she said.
“Ukraine must be able to defend itself.” The motto for German Ukraine policy must be: “Don’t procrastinate, don’t hesitate – boldness and courage.”
jso/dpa/AFP