"We were coldly lied to," says Baerbock - and accuses Putin of "delusions".

Created: 02/24/2022Updated: 02/24/2022 23:51

By: Florian Naumann, Patrick Mayer, Stephanie Munk

Russia invades Ukraine by force.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Annalena Baerbock react.

The reactions from Germany in the news ticker.

• The Russia-Ukraine crisis*

  has escalated.

  Russian troops marched in on February 24, and the Ukrainian government declared a state of war.

• In a TV speech, Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses Russian President Vladimir Putin directly and calls for an immediate withdrawal of troops

  (see update from February 24, 6:30 p.m.).

• Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock* makes a dramatic statement: German citizens should leave Ukraine "urgently" (

  see update of February 24, 9:47 a.m.

  ).

• This

  news ticker on Germany's reactions to the war in Ukraine

  is continuously updated.

Update from February 24, 11:10 p.m.:

Vice-Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Die Grünen) speaks in the "Tagesthemen" on ARD about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"A day that should never have happened.

And probably inevitable.

Because Putin, it seems, decided bitterly to do exactly that, planed this attack in cold blood.

It is a day that will profoundly change German, European and transatlantic history, a turning point.

And a day when a still unknown number, but it will be high, will lose people's lives," says the Green politician and says: "It is a defeat of diplomacy and diplomatic efforts." Putin wanted it that way , he goes on to explain, "and we couldn't dissuade him by talking.

Putin-Russia will fail as a reliable partner”.

Habeck found very critical words towards Moscow: The sanctions “will cut them off from technological progress.

And the West, the European Union, Europe and America have found a partnership, an alliance that didn't exist for a long time," he explains.

The North German says that after a visit to the Donbass, he once demanded that Ukraine be given more weapons.

"I don't see why people can't defend themselves when the aggressor is clearly known," he says.

Either way, Ukraine had no military chance against Russia.

We don't know what's going on in this man's head.

Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) on Vladimir Putin

With a view to the Bundeswehr, he demands: "One consequence, of course, is that we have to protect our eastern neighbors, the NATO countries, which are now neighboring countries against a warlike aggressor, and that we in Germany must also ensure that that we have a capable army that is fully operational and robust.

And I think one can have doubts about that.” Habeck also demands that “the mistake of making oneself dependent on a despot for energy policy must no longer happen”.

He calls Nord Stream 2 "a serious political error".

With regard to Putin, he concludes: "We do not know what is going on in this man's head and what he is still ready for."

Reactions from Germany to the Ukraine war: Baerbock calls Putin "inhuman"

Update from February 24, 9:55 p.m .:

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (The Greens) has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of lying and inhumane behavior because of the attack on Ukraine.

If, like Putin, you are willing to "risk the lives of children, women and men in order to enforce your delusions, then that is inhuman," said the Greens politician on Thursday evening on the ZDF program "What Now".

Now it is important to say unanimously: "We do not accept that as a global community."

With a view to the past meetings between Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Putin and between her and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Baerbock said that a path of toughness and dialogue had been taken and that we now had to “honestly say: we were lied to ice cold .

The chancellor was lied to, I was lied to by the Russian foreign minister, the entire international community.” But one cannot say, “because someone is lying, we are now lying too”.

Rather, you stand by your values ​​and have to show toughness.

When asked what the greatest realization was in her first few weeks in office and how bitter that was for her, the minister said: "It's incredibly bitter because I've experienced (...) being lied to coldly in the face .”

Federal Foreign Minister: Annalena Baerbock (The Greens).

© IMAGO / photo library

Ukraine war: NATO strengthens the eastern flanks - also with the help of the German Bundeswehr

Update from February 24, 9:45 p.m .:

The ex-boxing world champion Vitali Klitschko, known in Germany, has to fend off Russia’s attack on Ukraine as mayor of Kiev.

His brother sends the next call for help to Berlin and the West.

Update from February 24, 8:15 p.m .:

After Russia’s attack on Ukraine, NATO is strengthening its eastern flank.

Right in the middle: the German Bundeswehr with hundreds of soldiers in the Baltic States and in Romania.

But the Supreme Army General settles accounts.

War in Ukraine: The text of the TV speech by Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).

Update from February 24, 6.30 p.m .:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) addressed Germany in a TV speech about the Ukraine war in the evening.

The German head of government has condemned the actions of Vladimir Putin and the Russian military in the strongest possible terms and has assured the Ukrainian people of the Federal Republic's full solidarity.

took notes - the speech verbatim:

“Dear fellow citizens, today is a terrible day for Ukraine.

And a gloomy day for Europe.

We all care about peace.

I can well imagine the questions you are asking yourself tonight.

The situation is very serious.

We are witnessing the beginning of a war the likes of which we have not seen in Europe for more than 75 years.

Russian President Putin has made the decision to launch a military attack on Ukraine.

This is an incursion into an independent, sovereign country.

Nothing and no one can justify it.”

War in Ukraine: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) sharply condemns Russia's attack

"It's an attempt to violently move borders within Europe, maybe even wipe an entire country off the world map.

President Putin intentionally breaks with the United Nations Charter and with the European peace order.

He is endangering the lives of countless citizens of Ukraine, the sister nation of Russia.

All this is not happening far from us, but here in Europe.

Just a two-hour flight from Berlin, families are currently sitting in air-raid shelters.

Women, men and children fear for their lives.

Ukrainians arm themselves to defend their homeland against an invading army.

In these difficult hours, our thoughts are with the brave citizens of Ukraine.

I told President Zelenskyy in a phone call this morning,

the Ukrainian people and their freely elected government have our full solidarity.

We will not accept this violation of Ukraine's sovereignty by Russia.”

Putin will not win.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD)

“With the attack on Ukraine, President Putin wants to turn back time.

But there is no going back to the 19th century, when great powers ruled over the heads of smaller states.

There is no going back to the Cold War era, when superpowers divided the world into zones of influence.

And there is no going back to the time before 1989. At that time, the citizens of Central and Eastern Europe fought for their freedom and democracy.

Also in our country and in Ukraine.

That is why we have repeatedly warned President Putin against a war against Ukraine.

Just a week ago I personally discussed with him for several hours in the Kremlin and told him clearly that this war would be a serious mistake.

By doing so, he would also do serious damage to the future of the Russian people and the future of his own country.

President Putin has ignored all the warnings and efforts to find a diplomatic route.

He alone, not the Russian people, chose this war.

He alone is responsible for this.

This war is Putin's war.

Once again, I urge President Putin to stop the hostilities immediately.

Withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine.

Revoke the illegal recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.”

He alone is responsible for this.

This war is Putin's war.

Once again, I urge President Putin to stop the hostilities immediately.

Withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine.

Revoke the illegal recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.”

He alone is responsible for this.

This war is Putin's war.

Once again, I urge President Putin to stop the hostilities immediately.

Withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine.

Revoke the illegal recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.”

Ukraine war: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) promises NATO partners support from Germany

“Up until the very end, we in the international community relied on dialogue and sought dialogue with Moscow.

We had hope, but we weren't naive.

That is why we have prepared for this emergency at the same time.

With our allies and partners in the European Union, NATO and the G7, we have agreed on a whole package of economic sanctions.

Our goal: to make it clear to the Russian government that they will pay a high price for this action.

We already imposed the first sanctions after Russia recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

And we suspended the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

In light of today's attack on Ukraine, we are imposing further deep sanctions.

They will hit the Russian economy hard.

At the same time, we must ensure that this conflict does not spread to other European countries.

I agree with the American President and our European friends to prevent this with all the means at our disposal.

Putin should not underestimate NATO's determination to defend all of its members.

This applies expressly to our NATO partners in the Baltic States, in Poland and Romania, in Bulgaria and in Slovakia.

No ifs and buts.

Germany and its allies know how to protect themselves.”

to defend all its members.

This applies expressly to our NATO partners in the Baltic States, in Poland and Romania, in Bulgaria and in Slovakia.

No ifs and buts.

Germany and its allies know how to protect themselves.”

to defend all its members.

This applies expressly to our NATO partners in the Baltic States, in Poland and Romania, in Bulgaria and in Slovakia.

No ifs and buts.

Germany and its allies know how to protect themselves.”

Germany and its allies know how to protect themselves.

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD)

"Dear fellow citizens: We are determined and are acting as one.

Therein lies our strength as a free democracy.

Putin will not win.

The citizens of Ukraine want democracy and freedom.

And Europe's future will be one of peace and freedom.

We will make sure of that, together with our friends and partners.”

Vladimir Putin clearly criticizes: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) in his TV speech.

© screenshot ARD

Reactions from Germany to the Ukraine war: Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) turns to Vladimir Putin

Update from February 24, 5:59 p.m .:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) speaks live in Berlin.

The German head of government condemned Vladimir Putin.

“He is endangering the lives of countless citizens in the brother nation of Russia.

Almost a two-hour flight from Berlin, citizens are lying in air raid shelters," says Scholz.

“With the attack on Ukraine, President Putin wants to turn back time.

But there is no turning back in times when larger states rule over smaller states.

There is no going back to the time before 1989," explains the Hanseate, probably with a view to the end of the Soviet Union: "Just a week ago I told him (Putin) in the Kremlin that a war would be a serious mistake".

Putin alone, “It was not the Russian people who chose war.

He alone is responsible, not the Russian people,” the German Chancellor continued.

"I appeal once again to President Putin: Withdraw your soldiers from the Ukraine," says Scholz, announcing "far-reaching sanctions" that "will hit the Russian economy hard."

Scholz promises: "Putin will not win.

And Europe's future will be one of peace and freedom.”

Update from February 24, 5:30 p.m .:

Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) will shortly be making a statement on the Ukraine crisis.

The German head of government is currently consulting with the partners of the G7.

Already in the morning the Hanseatic had described the Russian attack on Ukraine as "Putin's war".

Reactions to the Ukraine war: Germany sends more Bundeswehr soldiers to the Baltic States

Update from February 24, 4:30 p.m .:

Defense Minister Christina Lambrecht (SPD) has announced that the transatlantic defense alliance NATO will provide additional Bundeswehr forces to secure the eastern flank.

"We will then meet these requirements," she said.

"We as Germany will meet every challenge in this area, every request that comes," Lambrecht continued after a meeting of the Defense Committee in the German Bundestag: "And we are also able to do that."

The Federal Defense Minister referred to around 900 Bundeswehr soldiers stationed in Lithuania.

She also "instructed that we not only expand but also extend our commitment in Romania" in relation to airspace surveillance, she said.

Specifically, a total of six Eurofighter fighter jets from the German Air Force are to help monitor the airspace over the Romanian Black Sea coast.

Reactions from Germany to the Ukraine war: Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD) under criticism

Update from February 24, 3:05 p.m .:

Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has been criticized for days.

The reason?

As a gas lobbyist, he is said to have a special closeness to Vladimir Putin.

So far, however, Schröder had not commented on Russia's attack on Ukraine.

This has changed now.

“The war and the associated suffering for the people in Ukraine must be ended as soon as possible.

This is the responsibility of the Russian government,” Schröder wrote on LinkedIn.

Accordingly, there have been many mistakes and omissions in the relationship between the West and Russia in recent years.

"And there were many mistakes - on both sides," Schröder continues: "But Russia's security interests do not justify the use of military means either."

When it comes to sanctions, however, Schröder is calling for caution.

"Looking to the future, when sanctions are necessary, care must be taken to ensure that the remaining political, economic and civil society ties that exist between Europe and Russia are not completely severed."

Although the situation is currently "dramatic", it is nevertheless the basis for "a hope that we all have: that a dialogue about peace and security on our continent is possible again," said Schröder.

Update from February 24, 2:51 p.m .:

Habeck continues: “If there is anything like good news today, it is that the energy supply for Germany is guaranteed,” says the Federal Minister of Economics.

"The gas and also coal and oil deliveries continue as before."

Ukraine conflict: energy dependency on Russia?

Habeck makes a clear promise

Update from February 24, 2:44 p.m .:

How dependent is Germany on Russia when it comes to fossil fuels?

What happens if Putin turns off the gas tap?

Robert Habeck found an answer to these questions at a press conference.

"We'll get through the winter safely," promises the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy: "The gas reserves for this year will last until the beginning of winter next year, even if Russia turns off the gas tap.

Quick solutions are currently being sought for the coming winter.”

Update from February 24, 2:04 p.m .:

For Europe, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is something like the “Nine-Eleven moment”, said the former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces, Hans-Peter Bartels of the

: “That is a day that changes everything.

You suddenly see something you never expected - that another war of aggression is taking place in Europe.” At the same time, Social Democrat Bartels sees the Russian invasion as “the beginning of a new Cold War”.

Ukraine conflict: Scholz and Baerbock mercilessly settle accounts with Putin - Merkel's feelings have become public

Update from February 24, 1:47 p.m .:

Ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel* (CDU) does not want to comment publicly on the Russian attack on Ukraine.

A public statement is not planned, it said on Thursday in Berlin at the request of her environment.

At the same time, it was emphasized that Merkel was of course following the developments with great sympathy.

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."

Ukraine War: Sigmar Gabriel sees Europe facing a long confrontation with Russia

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

Ukraine invasion by Russia: Baerbock speaks out

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 vom 24. Februar, 8.37 Uhr: Angesichts des russischen Überfalls auf die Ukraine hat Bundeswirtschaftsminister Robert Habeck (Grüne) weitere Sanktionen gegen Russland angekündigt. Dazu werde es ein konzertiertes Vorgehen der USA und der europäischen Staaten geben, sagte Habeck am Donnerstag im ZDF-„Morgenmagazin. „Wir werden sehr schnell sehen, dass wir Wirtschaftssanktionen gemeinsam verhängen.“ Den „Angriffskrieg“ verurteilte er auf das Schärfste. Rückblickend müsse man sagen, „dass der Westen, Europa, Deutschland zu naiv war“. Doch man wollte für den Frieden arbeiten, betont Habeck, daher müsse man Politikern auch einen gewissen Vertrauensvorschuss geben.

Reaktionen aus Deutschland auf die Kriegs-Handlungen von Russland: „Tag der Schande“

Update vom 24. Februar, 7.36 Uhr: Die Bundesregierung hat deutsche Staatsbürger wegen der Angriffe Russlands „dringend“ zum Verlassen der Ukraine aufgefordert. Das Auswärtige Amt verwies im Internetdienst Twitter am Donnerstagmorgen auf dort stattfindende Kampfhandlungen und Raketenangriffe. „Falls Sie das Land nicht auf einem sicheren Weg verlassen können, bleiben Sie vorläufig an einem geschützten Ort“, hieß es weiter.

Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock hat den russischen Militäreinsatz gegen die Ukraine scharf verurteilt. „Mit dem Angriff auf die Ukraine bricht Russland mit den elementarsten Regeln der internationalen Ordnung. Die Weltgemeinschaft wird Russland diesen Tag der Schande nicht vergessen“, erklärte die Grünen-Politikerin am Donnerstag in einer ersten Reaktion. Deutschland werde gemeinsam mit Partnern reagieren. „Unsere ganze Solidarität gilt der Ukraine“, schrieb Baerbock. Die Ministerin hat nach Angaben des Auswärtigen Amtes für 8.30 Uhr den Krisenstab der Bundesregierung im Auswärtigen Amt einberufen.

Ukraine: Tweet des FDP-Politikers Lambsdorff

Ukraine-Invasion: Reaktionen aus Deutschland - „Verurteilen wir auf das Schärfste“

Update vom 24. Februar, 6.55 Uhr: Bundeswirtschaftsminister Robert Habeck hat entsetzt auf den russischen Angriff auf die Ukraine reagiert. „Nun ist das Unfassbare geschehen“, erklärte der Grünen-Politiker am Donnerstag. „Russland greift die Ukraine an. Wir haben einen Landkrieg in Europa, von dem wir dachten, er sei nur noch in Geschichtsbüchern zu finden. Es ist ein schamloser Bruch des Völkerrechts, wir verurteilen ihn auf Schärfste.“ Dieser Tag sei eine Zäsur für Europa und die Welt, so Habeck. „Diese bewusst herbeigeführte russische Aggression wird Leid über viele Menschen bringen.“ Alle Kraft und Solidarität gelte der ukrainischen Bevölkerung. „Für Russland wird dieser Angriff schwere politische und wirtschaftliche Konsequenzen haben.“

Auch Markus Söder gab ein kurzes Statement ab. Wichtig sei nun die Geschlossenheit des Westens. Die CSU stehe hinter den Maßnahmen der Bundesregierung. Jetzt müsse „alles getan werden“, um die Ukraine zu unterstützen.

Update vom 24. Februar, 6.23 Uhr: Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (SPD) hat den Angriff Russlands auf die Ukraine „auf das Schärfste“ verurteilt. Es sei „ein eklatanter Bruch des Völkerrechts“ und „durch nichts zu rechtfertigen“, erklärte der SPD-Politiker. „Russland muss diese Militäraktion sofort einstellen“, forderte der Kanzler und kündigte für Donnerstag eine enge Abstimmung innerhalb der G7, der Nato und der EU an. „Dies ist ein furchtbarer Tag für die Ukraine und ein dunkler Tag für Europa“, sagte Scholz.

Update vom 24. Februar, 5.07 Uhr: Deutschland hat schwere Konsequenzen gegen Russland wegen des angekündigten Einmarsches in die Ukraine angekündigt. „Die russische Aggression wird politisch, wirtschaftlich und moralisch einen beispiellosen Preis haben“, sagte die deutsche UN-Botschafterin Antje Leendertse bei einer kurzfristig anberaumten Dringlichkeitssitzung des UN-Sicherheitsrates in New York am Mittwochabend (Ortszeit).

Ukraine: Habeck sieht „massiven Landkrieg“ nahen - Lauterbach äußert brisanten Schröder-„Eindruck“

Update vom 23. Februar, 23.20 Uhr: Vizekanzler Robert Habeck rechnet mit einer kurz bevorstehenden Eskalation im Ukraine-Konflikt. Man stehe „kurz vor einem massiven Landkrieg in Europa“, sagte der Grünen am Abend in der ARD-Sendung „maischberger. die woche“. „Ich glaube, dass man, wenn man so eine Aufrüstungsspirale beginnt, schwer da wieder rauskommt.“

Im Moment fehle jede Idee, wie man nach der Rede des russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin und nach dessen Anerkennung der sogenannten Volksrepubliken im Osten der Ukraine wieder in ein diplomatisches Gespräch einsteigen könne. Von einer aufgeschaukelten Situation könne nicht mehr die Rede sein, es gehe um eine von Russland herbeigeführte, klare, aggressive Lage, die auf einen Angriffskrieg hindeute.

„Das ist eine Situation in einer so konkreten Lage, wie wir sie mindestens seit den Balkankriegen nicht mehr gehabt haben, und das waren im weitesten Sinne Bürgerkriege, es war nicht, dass ein Land ein anderes drohte zu überrollen.“ Weiter sagte Habeck: „Wir erleben eine tiefe Zäsur der Politik, der deutschen Politik, der europäischen Politik, der transatlantischen Politik.“ Der Vizekanzler äußerte sich auch zu möglichen Waffenlieferungen an die Ukraine. Diese gehörten nicht „zur Linie der Bundesregierung“, erklärte er - widersprach aber nicht der These, dass er von dieser Linie nicht überzeugt sei.

Im Gespräch mit Merkur.de* hatten zwei Friedensverhandlungs-Experten am Dienstag eine mögliche diplomatische Lösung der Krise skizziert.

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 fügte hinzu, er glaube auch nicht, dass auf Hilfe Schröders für eine mögliche Vermittlung mit Russland zurückgegriffen werde. „Die Glaubwürdigkeit, die notwendig ist, die sehe ich bei ihm im Moment nicht.“ Lauterbach sagte, es mache den Eindruck, als wenn Schröder in eine - wenn auch nur finanzielle - Abhängigkeit geraten wäre. Die USA haben unterdessen Sanktionen gegen die Nord Stream 2 AG erlassen.

Der Minister kritisierte auch Putin. Der russische Präsident halte „quasi den Weltbetrieb im Kampf gegen den Klimawandel, im Kampf gegen die Pandemie, im Kampf gegen die Armut auf.“ Es gebe so viele schwere Dinge, „die wir leisten müssen, die unser aller Kraft benötigen“. Wie unnötig sei dann „ein narzisstischer Geltungskrieg“ um ein Stück Land. Lauterbach sprach mit Blick auf Putin von einem „Staatsschauspieler“.

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 vom 23. Februar, 19.40 Uhr: Die deutschen Kommunen machen sich Sorgen über eine mögliche Welle flüchtender Menschen aus der Ukraine. „Wir erwarten eine enge Abstimmung zwischen Bund, Ländern und Kommunen, um ausreichend Zeit für eine umfassende Vorbereitung zu bekommen“, sagte der Hauptgeschäftsführer des Verbands, Gerd Landsberg, dem Handelsblatt. Dazu gehören eine Wiederbelebung der Erstaufnahmeeinrichtungen der Länder und die Bereitstellung notwendiger Gelder.

Da die Kapazitäten in den Kommunen nicht unbegrenzt seien, sei auch ein EU-weiter Verteilungsschlüssel für Flüchtlinge wichtig, sagte Landsberg weiter. „Die immer wieder betonte europäische Solidarität muss hier von allen EU-Mitgliedern eingelöst werden.“ Brüssel hatte zuletzt selbst ein mögliches Flucht-Szenario ausgearbeitet.

Ukraine-Eskalation: Baerbock bestellt Putins Botschafter ein - Deutschland warnt bei UN vor politischem Fanal

Erstmeldung: Moskau/Berlin - Das Auswärtige Amt von Ministerin Annalena Baerbock (Grüne)* zeigt sich in der Ukraine-Krise alarmiert - und setzt diplomatische Bemühungen in neuer Schärfe fort. Am Mittwochabend hat die Bundesregierung den russischen Botschafter in Deutschland, Sergej Netschajew, wegen der Eskalation in dem Konflikt einbestellt.

Das Gespräch führte die Direktorin des Auswärtigen Amtes, Tjorven Bellmann, wie die dpa unter Berufung auf Regierungskreise berichtete. Über Inhalte der Unterredung wurde zunächst nichts bekannt. Am Nachmittag hatte sich bereits Baerbock selbst geäußert. Am Abend deutscher Zeit sprach zudem ihr Staatsminister Tobias Lindner (Grüne) vor der UN-Vollversammlung.

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

Nun sei der Moment gekommen, dass alle Länder sich zu Wort meldeten, um die internationale Ordnung - festgeschrieben in der UN-Charta - zu verteidigen. Gleichzeitig forderte der Staatsminister Russland zur Deeskalation auf. Bei der Sitzung der UN-Vollversammlung am Mittwoch handelte es sich um ein lang geplantes Standardtreffen zur Lage in den von Separatisten besetzen Gebieten der Ukraine*. Eine Abstimmung über einen Resolutionstext war nicht geplant.

Ukraine-Krise: Baerbock wirft Putin Lügen vor - Habeck hadert mit langem Festhalten an Nord Stream

Baerbock hatte zuvor den russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin scharf kritisiert und ihm wegen seines Vorgehens Lügen vorgeworfen. „Wenn man vor einer Woche A gesagt hat und jetzt das Gegenteil tut, dann hat man nicht die Wahrheit gesagt. Oder auf Deutsch: Dann hat man gelogen“, sagte die Grünen-Politikerin.

Nach einem Treffen mit ihrem französischen Amtskollegen Jean-Yves Le Drian in Berlin signalisierte Baerbock aber zugleich Bereitschaft zu weiteren Verhandlungen über eine Deeskalation der Lage. „Auch in der härtesten Krise müssen wir das Fenster für Gespräche immer offen halten. Wir wollen Krieg verhindern“, betonte sie.

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".

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