Hamburg fears the consequences of the war: Tschentscher cancels the trip

Created: 2022-02-24Updated: 2022-02-24 7:59 PM

A woman walks past the rubble after Russian shelling in Mariupol.

© Evgeniy Maloletka/AP/dpa

It is true that the extent of the consequences of the war in Ukraine that Russia started for Hamburg cannot yet be foreseen.

But the city will be prepared, says Mayor Tschentscher.

He cancels a planned trip to St. Petersburg because of the aggression.

Hamburg - Against the background of the Russian attack on the Ukraine, Hamburg is preparing for the possible effects of the war on the city.

A crisis team has been set up in the interior authority because there are fears of significant economic consequences, cyber attacks and problems in the security of supply, said Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) on Thursday.

In addition, Hamburg is halting preparations for the German Week planned for April in St. Petersburg.

He also canceled his planned trip to Hamburg's sister city.

“Russia's aggression violates international law and represents a turning point for European peace and security policy.

We are shocked and outraged by Putin's actions, which appear to have been prepared for a long time," said Tschentscher.

Hamburg is the preparatory country for the German Week planned for April 21-27 in St. Petersburg.

The main organizers are the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, the German-Russian Chamber of Commerce and the Goethe Institute.

Tschentscher said the Russian invasion of Ukraine should not have any impact on the city partnership between Hamburg and St. Petersburg.

“The twinning with St. Petersburg has existed for 65 years and was established during the Cold War precisely to resolve the conflicts that existed between East and West over human relations, cultural contacts, and initiatives by the citizens of our cities overcome."

At the same time, the mayor informed the population about the effects of the crisis.

The extent of the consequences of the war cannot yet be foreseen.

The people in Hamburg would also be affected.

The federal government has promised its Eastern European neighbors support in taking in refugees.

"Hamburg will participate to the best of its ability."

Preparing for this is part of the work of the crisis team, said Interior Senator Andy Grote (SPD).

"Of course, we cannot rule out that a larger number of people will come to Germany and also to Hamburg." It is clear that they would be taken in and cared for.

In addition, further impairments threatened by the conflict.

"We have to expect cyber attacks on the critical infrastructure, including here in Hamburg," said Grote.

"So far, however, there is no indication that such attacks have already taken place in Germany."

In addition, it is to be feared that the Russian aggression will create further potential for conflict in the dispute over corona policy.

Within the Corona protest movement there is a tendency that is pro-Russia, said the interior senator.

It could be that this is also "noticeable in the protests on the streets - this pro-Russian tendency in this spectrum".

Corresponding statements were already circulating on social media channels and messenger services.

Protection for institutions with a Russian or Ukrainian background in Germany is also to be strengthened.

This has already happened in Hamburg.

"We have strengthened protective measures for the Ukrainian and Russian consulates," Grote said.

Whether other objects or facilities need to be protected is currently being examined.

dpa