"We woke up in another world": Baerbock and Scholz settle accounts with Putin and want to make him pay

Created: 02/24/2022, 13:37

By: Florian Naumann

The Russia-Ukraine conflict finally escalates: Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Annalena Baerbock also react to the news from Ukraine.

The news ticker.

• The Russia-Ukraine crisis* has escalated.

  Ukraine declared a state of war.

• The federal government is “urgently” calling on Germans to leave Ukraine

  (see update from February 24, 7:36 a.m.).

• Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock* made a dramatic statement: One woke up in another world (

  see update from February 24, 9.47 a.m.

  ).

• Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that Russian President Putin will pay a bitter price for his attack

  (see update of February 24, 11:47 a.m.).

• This

  news ticker on the German reaction to the escalation in Ukraine

  is continuously updated.

Update from February 24, 1:05 p.m .:

After the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, ex-Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU) takes the German security policy of the past few years to court.

"I'm so angry with us because we failed historically," Kramp-Karrenbauer wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

After the conflicts in Georgia, Crimea and Donbass, nothing was prepared that "really deterred" Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kramp-Karrenbauer: "We have forgotten the lesson of Schmidt and Kohl that negotiations always have priority, but you have to be so strong militarily that non-negotiation cannot be an option for the other side."

Update from February 24, 12:49 p.m .:

The chairman of the Atlantic Bridge, Sigmar Gabriel (SPD), sees Europe after the Russian attack on Ukraine before a long confrontation with Russia.

"We are back in a time when we also have to rely on military deterrence in Europe," said the former foreign minister and ex-SPD chairman in the

.

"As before 1989, there will again be a long border in which the military units of Russia and NATO face each other directly." On the

television channel , he said: "We are facing a really long confrontational phase with this country." And: "Now we are we are in a state of war in Europe, which does not affect us directly militarily, but does affect us.”

Gabriel demanded: "We will now have to make ourselves more resilient." The decisive factor is that Germany stands up and does not become anxious as soon as the first inquiries come because Russian luxury goods and cheap natural gas are missing.

"If that happens, then we are a pawn in world politics," he warned.

The sanctions against Russia would hit financially.

“It will be expensive for us.” However, the price has to be paid.

“There is nothing free in life.

Neither does peace.”

Ukraine conflict: Olaf Scholz makes a statement - "This is Putin's war"

Update from February 24, 11:47 a.m .:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is now making a press statement on the conflict in Ukraine.

"February 24 is a terrible day for Ukraine and a bleak day for Europe." Putin brings suffering and destruction to his immediate neighbors.

It endangers the lives of countless innocent people and calls into question the peaceful order on the continent.

“There is no justification for that.

This is Putin's war.”

In the afternoon, the G7 countries will work towards a unified reaction, and "tough sanctions" against Russia will be decided today.

The aim is to make it clear to the Russian leadership: "They are paying a bitter price for this aggression," said Scholz.

He understands the Baltic states' concerns about Russia and stands by NATO's duty to provide assistance.

The NATO states should soon meet in person to advise.

Tonight he will go to Brussels.

"The situation is very serious." Putin should stop the attack immediately and withdraw his troops completely.

Putin is paying a bitter price for this aggression.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD)

Update from February 24, 11:10 a.m

.: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) wants to make a government statement “on the current situation” in a special session of the Bundestag on Sunday.

This emerges from a letter from the head of the Chancellery, Wolfgang Schmidt, to the President of the Bundestag, Bärbel Bas, which is available to the German Press Agency.

At 11.30 a.m. Scholz will make a statement on the war in Ukraine.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) speaks at a press conference in the Chancellery on the Russian attack on Ukraine.

© Michael Kappeler/dpa

Update from February 24, 10:47 a.m .:

Germany will also feel the effects of the war in Ukraine, said Annalena Baerbock in her statement - among other things due to rising prices.

"We didn't choose this situation, but we don't want to avoid it either." If we don't take decisive action against Russia now, "we will pay an even higher price for it," said Baerbock in her dramatic appeal.

Update from February 24, 10:35 a.m .:

CDU leader Friedrich Merz promised the federal government full support

in an interview with

"There will be no domestic political discussions, at most consultations," said Merz.

The most important thing now is a “great unity of the democracies of the world”.

He is certain that it will be possible to take action against Russia, "even below military intervention".

In his opinion, Putin would not take the risk of attacking other countries in Eastern Europe that are members of NATO.

: "We must do everything we can to

isolate Russia worldwide."

Russia starts war against Ukraine: Germany withdraws diplomats

Update from February 24, 10:28 a.m .:

The federal government has withdrawn the last diplomats from the Ukrainian capital Kiev.

She made this decision on Wednesday evening, said Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) on Thursday.

The Federal Foreign Office will now decide "depending on the situation" whether Germany will establish a diplomatic mission in another Ukrainian city - for example in Lemberg (Lviv) in western Ukraine.

Update from February 24, 10:20 a.m

.: SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich sharply condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine and asked Moscow to immediately lay down its arms.

“This is a war of aggression contrary to international law.

The Russian President is a war criminal," said Mützenich on Thursday.

"President Putin and the Russian leadership will pay a high price for this," announced Mützenich.

However, the highest price is paid by the Ukrainian population, who continue to receive solidarity and support.

Mützenich said he feared a new "Iron Curtain" would fall over Europe.

"This is the end of a European security order that we wanted to create after the end of the Cold War."

Russia has morally and politically forfeited its right of veto in the UN Security Council.

Update from February 24, 10:02 a.m .:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz convened his security cabinet because of the Russian attack on Ukraine.

He condemned the attack "in the strongest terms".

It was "a blatant breach of international law" and "cannot be justified by anything," said Scholz on Thursday.

The meeting of the Security Council is planned for the morning in the Chancellery, as the federal government announced.

The committee is convened by the Federal Chancellor when questions of internal or external security need to be discussed.

This also includes Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) as well as representatives of the security authorities.

Ukraine war: "We woke up in another world" - Baerbock addresses Putin directly

Update from February 24, 9.47 a.m .:

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is now making a statement on Ukraine.

"We woke up to a different world today," she says.

Putin followed threats with terrible deeds.

"Russia alone chose this path" and did not respond to offers of talks.

"Ukrainians have done nothing to justify this bloodshed," Baerbock said.

Above all, the war should destroy one thing: the hope of the people in Ukraine that they have a right to peace.

"President Putin, you will never be able to destroy this dream," warns Baerbock.

In Russia, too, many people would be ashamed of the "ruthless murder of their brothers and sisters."

President Putin, you will never destroy this dream.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens)

"We are all stunned today, but not helpless," said Baerbock.

We will proceed together and the states would coordinate.

The "full package" with the most massive sanctions against Putin is being launched.

To this end, Germany will coordinate internationally with the European Union, NATO and the strongest economic powers in the G7 format.

Germans should leave Ukraine immediately.

There is a hotline that Germans can contact.

Annalena Baerbock on the Ukraine war: an emotional appeal in the video

Update from February 24, 8:37 a.m .:

In view of the Russian attack on Ukraine, Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) has announced further sanctions against Russia.

There will be a concerted approach to this by the USA and the European countries, Habeck said on Thursday in the ZDF "Morgenmagazin".

"We will see very quickly that we will impose economic sanctions together." He condemned the "war of aggression" in the strongest possible terms.

In retrospect one has to say "that the West, Europe, Germany was too naive".

But one wanted to work for peace, stressed Habeck, so one had to give politicians a certain amount of trust.

Reactions from Germany to the actions of Russia: "Day of Shame"

Update from February 24, 7:36 a.m .:

The federal government has “urgently” asked German citizens to leave Ukraine because of the attacks by Russia.

The Federal Foreign Office referred to the hostilities and rocket attacks taking place there on Twitter on Thursday morning.

"If you cannot leave the country safely, stay in a safe place for the time being," it said.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has sharply condemned the Russian military operation against Ukraine.

“By attacking Ukraine, Russia is breaking with the most elementary rules of the international order.

The world community will not forget Russia on this day of shame,” said the Green politician in a first reaction on Thursday.

Germany will react together with partners.

"All our solidarity goes to Ukraine," wrote Baerbock.

According to the Federal Foreign Office, the minister convened the Federal Government's crisis team in the Federal Foreign Office at 8.30 a.m.

Ukraine: Tweet by FDP politician Lambsdorff

Ukraine invasion: Reactions from Germany - "We condemn in the strongest possible terms"

Update from February 24, 6:55 a.m .:

Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck reacted in horror to the Russian attack on Ukraine.

"Now the unbelievable has happened," said the Green politician on Thursday.

“Russia is attacking Ukraine.

We have a land war in Europe that we thought was only in history books.

It is a shameless breach of international law, we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.” Habeck said that this day was a turning point for Europe and the world.

"This deliberately brought about Russian aggression will bring suffering to many people." All strength and solidarity goes to the Ukrainian population.

"For Russia, this attack will have serious political and economic consequences."

Markus Söder also made a short statement.

The unity of the West is now important.

The CSU stands behind the measures taken by the federal government.

Now "everything must be done" to support Ukraine.

Update from February 24, 6:23 a.m .:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine “in the strongest terms”.

It was "a blatant breach of international law" and "cannot be justified by anything," explained the SPD politician.

"Russia must stop this military action immediately," demanded the Chancellor and announced close coordination within the G7, NATO and the EU for Thursday.

"This is a terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe," said Scholz.

Update from February 24, 5:07 a.m

.: Germany has announced serious consequences against Russia because of the announced invasion of Ukraine.

"Russian aggression will have an unprecedented price politically, economically and morally," said German UN Ambassador Antje Leendertse at a short-notice emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday evening (local time).

Ukraine: Habeck sees "massive land war" approaching - Lauterbach expresses explosive Schröder "impression"

Update from February 23, 11:20 p.m.:

Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck expects an imminent escalation in the Ukraine conflict.

You are "on the verge of a massive land war in Europe," said the Greens in the evening on the ARD program "maischberger.

the week".

"I think that once you start such a spiral of rearmament, it's hard to get out of it."

At the moment there is no idea how to get back into diplomatic talks after Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech and his recognition of the so-called People's Republics in eastern Ukraine.

There can no longer be any talk of an escalated situation, it is a clear, aggressive situation brought about by Russia that points to a war of aggression.

"This is a situation in such a concrete situation that we have not had since at least the Balkan wars, and these were civil wars in the broadest sense, it was not that one country threatened to overrun another." Habeck said further: " We are experiencing a deep turning point in politics, German politics, European politics, transatlantic politics.” The Vice Chancellor also commented on possible arms deliveries to Ukraine.

These do not belong "to the line of the federal government," he explained - but did not contradict the thesis that he was not convinced of this line.

In an interview with

, two peace negotiation experts outlined a possible diplomatic solution to the crisis on Tuesday.

Robert Habeck on Wednesday evening on "Maischberger" on ARD.

© Screenshot: ARD media library

Ukraine Crisis: “Dependent”?

Lauterbach expresses explosive Schröder "impression"

Update from February 23, 9:54 p.m .:

Even after the temporary end for Nord Stream 2, Gerhard Schröder remains under criticism: Health Minister Karl Lauterbach clearly distanced himself from his party comrades in the evening.

It's something "where I never dream of doing fat business with an oligarch and a - yes, if you will - dictator who keeps half the world in suspense," said Lauterbach in a

round of talks with a view to Schröder's relationship with Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

Lauterbach added that he also does not believe that Schroeder's help will be sought for a possible mediation with Russia.

"I don't see the credibility that is necessary in him at the moment." Lauterbach said it gave the impression that Schröder had become dependent - even if only financially.

Meanwhile, the US has imposed sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG.

The minister also criticized Putin.

The Russian President is “stopping, so to speak, world operations in the fight against climate change, in the fight against the pandemic, in the fight against poverty.” There are so many difficult things “that we have to do that require all of our strength”.

How unnecessary then is “a narcissistic war of validity” for a piece of land.

Lauterbach spoke of a "state actor" with regard to Putin.

Update from February 23, 9:30 p.m .:

The Brandenburg Gate shone in the Ukrainian national colors on Wednesday evening.

Berlin is thus sending a signal of solidarity with Ukraine, as the Senate Chancellery announced in advance.

“With the lighting of the Brandenburg Gate, we are sending a clear signal, together with other European cities.

As a free city for a free and sovereign Ukraine," said Berlin's Governing Mayor Franziska Giffey (SPD).

In Berlin's twin city Paris, the town hall should be illuminated in the evening.

According to the Senate Chancellery, London also wanted to join in with a comparable campaign.

The Brandenburg Gate in the national colors of Ukraine.

© Christophe Gateau/dpa

Russia crisis: German cities are worried about mass exodus from Ukraine

Update from February 23, 7.40 p.m .:

The German municipalities are concerned about a possible wave of people fleeing Ukraine.

"We expect close coordination between the federal, state and local governments in order to have enough time for comprehensive preparation," said the association's general manager, Gerd Landsberg, to the

.

This includes reviving the initial reception facilities in the federal states and providing the necessary funds.

Since the capacities in the municipalities are not unlimited, an EU-wide distribution key for refugees is also important, Landsberg said.

"The European solidarity that has been repeatedly emphasized must be redeemed here by all EU members." Brussels recently worked out a possible escape scenario itself.

Escalation in Ukraine: Baerbock summons Putin's ambassador - Germany warns of political beacons at the UN

First report:

Moscow/Berlin – The Foreign Office of Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens)* is alarmed in the Ukraine crisis – and is continuing diplomatic efforts with new intensity.

On Wednesday evening, the federal government summoned the Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechayev, because of the escalation in the conflict.

The interview was conducted by the director of the Federal Foreign Office, Tjorven Bellmann, as the dpa reported, citing government circles.

Nothing was initially known about the content of the conversation.

In the afternoon Baerbock had already expressed himself.

On the evening of German time, her Minister of State Tobias Lindner (Greens) also spoke to the UN General Assembly.

Ukraine: Baerbock's Minister of State warns of UN - "fatal blow" for rules-based order?

Lindner called on UN member states to condemn Russia's escalation in the crisis.

“What hit Ukraine today could happen to other UN member states tomorrow.

Everyone in this congregation should be aware of that,” he says in New York.

Lindner warned that Russian recognition of the self-proclaimed "People's Republics" of Donetsk and Luhansk could represent a "mortal blow to the rules-based international order."

“Russia is violating the core principles of the UN Charter.

We must close ranks and strictly reject such an act.

Minister of State Tobias Lindner (Greens) on Wednesday at the UN General Assembly.

© John Minchillo/dpa

Now the moment has come for all countries to speak up to defend the international order enshrined in the UN Charter.

At the same time, the Minister of State called on Russia to de-escalate.

The session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday was a long-planned standard meeting on the situation in the separatist-held areas of Ukraine*.

A vote on a resolution text was not planned.

Ukraine crisis: Baerbock accuses Putin of lying - Habeck struggles with sticking to Nord Stream for a long time

Baerbock had previously sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin and accused him of lying about his actions.

"If you said A a week ago and now you're doing the opposite, then you haven't told the truth.

Or in German: Then you lied,” said the Green politician.

After meeting her French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Berlin, however, Baerbock also signaled willingness to engage in further negotiations to de-escalate the situation.

“Even in the toughest crisis, we always have to keep the window open for talks.

We want to prevent war,” she stressed.

The federal government caused a stir on Tuesday with a temporary halt to the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) said it would have been wiser not to build the project between Russia and Germany in the first place.

For too long, people have been under the illusion that "the pipeline can only be viewed from an economic point of view" - Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) had recently defended the pipeline by classifying it as a "private-sector project".

(

) *

.