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SPD politician Michael Roth
Photo: IMAGO/Political Moments
SPIEGEL:
Mr. Roth, you were in Ukraine on Tuesday with Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann and Anton Hofreiter.
But the Federal President is not welcome there.
An affront?
Michael Roth:
We got this message while we were already in Ukraine.
I couldn't believe it at first.
Right now it's important to stay in touch.
I am very disappointed with this rejection.
Nor is it justified to our head of state.
SPIEGEL:
You met Ukrainian MPs in Lviv near the Polish border.
Have you expressed your displeasure with them?
Roth:
We talked about it, yes.
But our interlocutors were also not informed at all about this step.
SPIEGEL:
Are you afraid that the sharp attacks from Kiev against German politicians in this country will do something to the basic mood of solidarity?
Roth:
Look, we have to understand.
People who have been at war for weeks, who no longer feel normal, who fear for their lives and those of their loved ones, no longer react so cautiously.
During our trip it was very important to us to show that Germans do show empathy and compassion.
The message today was: Germany stands by Ukraine and there are many people in politics and society who are willing to do a lot more.
»The expectations are huge.«
SPIEGEL:
Did that convince your interlocutors?
Roth:
The atmosphere during our talks was open and friendly.
I have the impression that there is definitely gratitude for what the Federal Republic has achieved so far.
But: The expectations are huge: It's about an energy embargo, about the prospect of EU membership and, of course, especially about arms deliveries.
We have been told in no uncertain terms that arms are the best humanitarian aid we can provide right now, bad as that may sound.
SPIEGEL:
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is already calling for the delivery of heavy weapons, but nothing has been decided yet.
Could you give the Ukrainians hope?
Roth:
We weren't on an official government mission, but as parliamentarians and committee chairmen.
Personally, we support heavy weapon support.
However, we also made it clear on site that this only makes sense if such weapons can be used quickly and safely.
SPIEGEL:
So you didn't think it was a good idea to send German tanks to Ukraine, which Ukrainian soldiers aren't trained to use?
Roth:
I support the proposal that Central European countries supply Soviet-made tanks to the Ukraine and that the Bundeswehr and the German armaments industry then compensate for this.
We now need pragmatic solutions that help immediately.
MIRROR:
Is that enough?
Roth:
The Ukrainians are trying to liberate areas occupied by Russia.
For this they also need other devices, for which they first need the appropriate training and replacement material.
We should talk about that.
But we finally need a positive move.
»Impressions I will never forget.«
SPIEGEL:
So it's a Bundeswehr "marten" after all?
Roth:
We'll see.
In any case, we must coordinate closely on these issues within NATO and make decisions quickly.
SPIEGEL:
What did you learn about the war during your visit?
Roth:
Our hosts wanted us to feel what it means to be at war.
Even if there is no ground fighting in Lviv, which is in the west.
We visited a hospital and spoke to seriously injured Ukrainian soldiers there.
And we were at the oil depot destroyed by Russian bombs.
These are impressions that I will never forget.
SPIEGEL:
Isn't it long overdue for Chancellor Olaf Scholz to travel to Ukraine?
Roth:
Everyone has to decide for themselves.
But I'm happy to share our experiences.
We were very welcome!
