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"Have to endure this brutality": Baerbock explains German Ukraine course - and makes promises

2022-04-22T10:27:07.916Z


"Have to endure this brutality": Baerbock explains German Ukraine course - and makes promises Created: 04/22/2022, 12:15 p.m By: Stephanie Munk No immediate and no temporary energy embargo: Annalena Baerbock explains the German Ukraine course in Lithuania - in a haunting way. Ukraine conflict*: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock rejects a rapid energy embargo in Lithuania. During her three-day


"Have to endure this brutality": Baerbock explains German Ukraine course - and makes promises

Created: 04/22/2022, 12:15 p.m

By: Stephanie Munk

No immediate and no temporary energy embargo: Annalena Baerbock explains the German Ukraine course in Lithuania - in a haunting way.

  • Ukraine conflict*: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock rejects a rapid energy embargo in Lithuania.

  • During her three-day trip, the Green politician consulted with her counterparts from

    Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia

    on the Ukraine war.

  • Baerbock has promised the NATO partners

    stronger support

    in advance .

    In Riga, there was a moment of shock as soon as we arrived.

Update from April 22, 12:05 p.m .:

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) has rejected a temporary energy embargo against Russia because of the Ukraine war.

She does not consider a temporary import stop for Russian gas proposed by several partner countries to be “right,” said Baerbock on Friday at a press conference in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius.

She had met her colleague Gabrielius Landsbergis.

The sanctions against Russia must be long-term: "If we take this step now to make ourselves independent of Russian fossil imports, then this must be the step forever." Baerbock described an immediate embargo for Russian oil and gas as not actionable.

The proposal by some partners to limit such an embargo to one month also has pitfalls: The Europeans should not get into a situation in which brutality in Ukraine increases, but one has to say: “Unfortunately, we cannot keep our sanctions , we're doing a roll backwards."

War in Ukraine: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her visit to Lithuania.

© Michael Kappeler/dpa

The sanctions against Russia would have to be flanked by continued arms deliveries to Ukraine, Baerbock said.

However, the "bitter reality" is that the war in Ukraine cannot be ended immediately.

At the same time, it is important to prevent the war from escalating.

"We have to endure the brutality that we are currently seeing in Mariupol so that we cannot intervene militarily in this war ourselves," said the Greens politician.

A party friend had expressed a different thrust in the ZDF talk “Markus Lanz”.

At the same time, the minister made another promise to the Baltic states: Baerbock assured that Germany would contribute to an increased long-term NATO presence in the Baltic states with additional contributions.

“I understood here that this is necessary.

And then Germany will lead the way there,” she said.

In view of the brutal Russian action in Ukraine, “air defense and a substantial NATO presence” are necessary: ​​“We must be able to defend practically every square centimeter of our common alliance area, i.e. the Baltic States.

And from the very first minute."

Baerbock makes promises to Ukrainians - and again emphasizes "ring exchange" for weapons

Update from April 21, 12:35 p.m .:

At the joint press conference, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her Estonian counterpart Eva-Maria Liimets emphasized the cooperation between Estonia and Germany and spoke about the Russian disinformation campaign in the Ukraine war.

There were critical questions from journalists about arms deliveries to Ukraine.

Baerbock has again brought the so-called ring exchange into play and defended the course of the federal government.

Update from April 21, 12:20 p.m .:

It is “a war against innocent people, a war against the civilian population like in Mariupol,” Baerbock describes the events in the course of the Russian invasion.

You can see that promises cannot be relied on when it comes to humanitarian corridors.

"People must be able to leave the city," demands Baerbock.

It is "in Putin's hands to stop this bombing".

"It is very painful to watch the killings," says Estonian Foreign Minister Liimets.

Russia violates international law in every respect.

Annalena Baerbock (Bündnis90/Die Grünen), Foreign Minister, takes part in a press conference together with the Estonian Foreign Minister.

The focus of the German Foreign Minister's talks on her trip through the Baltic States is the reaction of the EU, NATO and the international community to Russia's war against Ukraine.

© Michael Kappeler/dpa

Update from April 21, 12:15 p.m .:

A journalist now wants to know whether Germany’s tanks are arriving in Ukraine.

Baerbock explains that Germany will make its contribution and provide financial support.

However, Germany cannot deliver everything – they do not have everything that Ukraine needs.

Instead, the common partners are supported – yesterday Baerbock spoke of a ring exchange in this regard.

Another billion euros will be made available from the budget for equipment in Ukraine.

The training of the armed forces on the equipment will be launched in the future, although not directly in the coming days.

"We are trying to give Ukraine what is possible for us," stressed the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Baerbock speaks NOW live in Estonia about the Ukraine war and Russia's disinformation campaign

Update from April 21, 12:00 p.m .:

The press conference by Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock with her colleague Eva-Maria Liimets in Estonia has begun.

According to the Estonian politician, the sixth package of sanctions against Russia is being worked on.

Germany and Estonia are linked by very close economic cooperation.

In her speech to the press, Baerbock also emphasized the close connection between the two countries.

With a view to the Ukraine war, the Green politician speaks about the dangers of Russia's disinformation campaign.

Baerbock emphasizes that the basis for Russian propaganda must be cut.

The central task of foreign ministers in these times is to get people talking to each other.

Putin's lies "must be recognized as such and, above all, named," says Baerbock.

Baerbock promises that the Ukrainian army will continue to be supplied with equipment.

"After the Russian attack on Ukraine, we will rethink our security in Europe and become more defensive," said the Foreign Minister.

"Unfortunately, the threat from Russia is real." Article 5 applies "without ifs and buts to every corner of our alliance territory," promises Baerbock.

Germany will do more to ensure the alliance's security.

Update from April 21, 9:20 a.m.:

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is advising this Thursday in Estonia with the political leadership of the Baltic state about the consequences of the Ukraine war.

In the capital, Tallinn, the Greens politician is scheduled to hold talks with her counterpart Eva-Maria Liimets and a meeting with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.

Later, Baerbock wanted to talk to students at a German partner school and visit a memorial to the victims of communism.

Baerbock admits mistakes made by Russia after Riga's moment of shock - and calls for energy cut "more than ever"

Update from April 20, 5 p.m.:

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock admitted German mistakes in Russia policy on her trip to the Baltic States.

"What we need to do more than ever is to end our energy imports from Russia once and for all," Baerbock said at a meeting with her colleagues from the three Baltic republics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in Riga on Wednesday.

"We made mistakes in this area, but we cannot turn back the clock now, we cannot undo this," Baerbock said.

Security in Europe means reducing dependence on Russia, especially in the energy sector.

"We all want to let the gas supplies run out, better today than tomorrow," said Baerbock - and certified that the Baltic states had largely reduced their dependence on Russian gas at an early stage.

"Germany would also like to say goodbye to energy imports from Russia completely," she emphasized.

At midday, the Greens also pledged medium- and long-term military aid to Ukraine.

The NATO allies must currently support Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, said the Green politician on Wednesday after a meeting with her Latvian counterpart Edgars Rinkevics in the capital Riga.

But it's not just about urgent needs.

"It's also about the next three months and also about the next three years.

And this is where Germany will be able to contribute more.”

Update from April 20, 12:24 p.m .:

Foreign Minister Baerbock’s press conference in Riga has ended.

Baerbock NOW live: Cancellation of delivery of heavy weapons to Ukraine - "There is nothing"

Now it's time for journalists' questions.

The German foreign minister is asked about deliveries of heavy weapons to Ukraine.

According to the Bundeswehr, it can no longer deliver anything from its own stocks, which is why Ukraine can use stocks from the armaments industry, says Baerbock, explaining Chancellor Olaf Scholz's weapons plans.

Germany also wants to support Ukraine in the near future by training and maintaining artillery.

The delivery of armored vehicles is "not taboo", but there is nothing in Germany that can be delivered in the short term*.

That is why an “exchange of rings” was agreed with European partners.

These would deliver available tanks of Russian design, Germany would then provide replacements there.

Recently, among other things, deliveries of armored personnel carriers of the "Marder" model had been heatedly disputed*.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Bündnis90/Die Grünen) next to Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics.

© Michael Kappeler/dpa

Baerbock NOW speaks live in Riga: "NATO Article 5 applies without ifs and buts"

Update from April 20, 12:11 p.m .:

According to Baerbock, Ukraine must continue to be supported in the fight against Putin.

"We will defend peace, sovereignty and freedom and NATO will defend its alliance territory and protect every corner together." NATO Article 5* applies "without ifs and buts".

Especially in the Baltic States, Russian propaganda and Putin's information war must be undermined - but not through counter-propaganda, but through a pluralistic opinion.

She therefore wanted to find out more about freedom of the media and freedom of expression during her trip.

Baerbock NOW live in Riga: She addresses "fatal dependency" on Putin

Update from April 20, 12:07 p.m .:

Annalena Baerbock is now speaking.

The trip to the Baltics is very important because the security of Europe is inextricably linked to the security of the Baltics, she says.

"Since February 24th, we Europeans have been living in a new reality." A brutal war was raging just a few hours' drive away.

There has been a lot of talk about further sanctions against Russia.

For Germany, it is an effort to free itself from the "fatal energy dependency" on Russia.

But you will go the way of complete exit and work on it every day.

Update from April 20, 12:05 p.m

.: According to Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, the establishment of NATO in the Baltic States was also discussed.

The territory must be defended by all means.

"One must clearly define Russia as one of the threats to peace and stability worldwide." China's role must also be addressed.

NATO's open-door policy must be underlined, he says, with regard to the possible NATO membership of Finland and Sweden.

He will be the first to agree.

Update from April 20, 11:59 a.m .:

The press conference starts ten minutes late.

Latvia's Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics will speak first.

He spoke to Baerbock about sanctions against Russia and how energy dependence on Russia can be reduced.

"This is about a war," said Rinkevics.

Much has been done to support Ukraine, but the needs are greater.

The military support must be continued, he agreed with Baerbock.

Everything must be done to ensure that Ukraine can withstand Russian aggression.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is welcomed by Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics.

© Gints Ivuskans/afp

Update from April 20,

11:50 a.m.: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is now giving a press conference in Riga with Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics.

At the start of her three-day Baltic trip, Baerbock discussed the Ukraine war and a possible threat to the Baltic states from Russia with her counterpart.

Baerbock NOW speaks live in Riga – after the shock of an accident on the way there

Update from April 20, 11:40 a.m .:

Moment of shock when Foreign Minister Baerbock visited Latvia: On the way from the airport to downtown Riga, there was a rear-end collision in the column of the Green politician on Tuesday.

The two minibuses occupied by journalists were affected.

According to the delegation, no one was injured.

However, one bus was so badly damaged that it could not continue its journey.

The column had come to a halt in heavy traffic.

As a result, the first press bus ran into a vehicle belonging to the delegation.

The following vehicle was also unable to brake in time.

The minister's car was not affected. 

Baerbock makes a clear announcement to Putin before his next trip: "We will defend every square centimeter"

Berlin – Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock* has promised the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania that she will give them more support in view of the Ukraine war*.

"We are ready to do even more to ensure the safety of our partners," said the Baerbock on Wednesday before its departure for a

three-day trip to the Baltic States of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Baerbock did not give details, but emphasized:

"In an emergency, we will defend every square centimeter of our common alliance area."

The Bundeswehr already has the leading role in the NATO presence in Lithuania.

Baerbock wants to meet her counterpart Edgars Rinkevics in the Latvian capital Riga.

A meeting with Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins is also planned.

In the afternoon, the minister will take part in consultations with Rinkevic's three Baltic foreign ministers, Eva-Maria Liimets (Estonia) and Gabrielius Landsbergis (Lithuania).

According to the Federal Foreign Office, the talks will focus on the reaction of the EU, NATO and the international community to the Ukraine war.

The minister has already spoken out in favor

of supporting Ukraine with heavy weapons.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz* (SPD) is accused of hesitating too much on this topic and only making vague statements.

Baerbock because of the Ukraine war in the Baltic States: "Germany takes the new realities into account"

Annalena Baerbock said she wanted to make it clear on her trip: "

Germany is taking the new realities into account

, with all consistency." Power base of Russia's President Vladimir Putin*.

In addition, you strengthen your own defense and make your contribution to the reorientation of security in Europe.

"So that our partners can rely on Germany," stressed Baerbock.

Baerbock on the Ukraine war in the Baltics: "Putin has destroyed security architecture"

The minister explained that Germany could learn a lot from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania about defensiveness.

For years, the Baltic States have been investing in energy security, IT infrastructure, media resilience and defense capabilities.

In the Baltic States, people have been looking intensely and with concern towards Russia for years.

"I would like to listen carefully to your experiences and insights," emphasized the minister.

Baerbock accused Putin of not taking human life or international law into account* or the life and development opportunities of his own people.

"In doing so, he also

destroyed large parts of the European security

architecture that we have built on in recent decades and which was also a guarantee of security for our Eastern European friends in particular".

Baerbock because of the Ukraine war in the Baltic States: a visit to the NATO center is planned

The first stop on Annalena Baerbock's trip is the Latvian capital Riga on Wednesday.

After a meeting with Latvia's Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, a press conference is planned at around 11:40 a.m. (CEST).

In the afternoon, Baerbock will have a conversation with all three of his Baltic counterparts.

A meeting with the Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins and a visit to the NATO Center of Excellence for Strategic Communications are also planned.

(dpa/AFP) * Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA.

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2022-04-22

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