"Not taken seriously": Bas admits "mistakes" in Russia policy and speaks of "turning point"
Created: 10/22/2022, 6:29 p.m
By: Bedrettin Bölükbasi
Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) in the Bundestag.
(Archive image) © Michael Kappeler/dpa
Bundestag President Bärbel Bas sees the Ukraine war as an important "turning point" for both the SPD and other German parties.
Munich — The political turmoil of the Ukraine war is not just limited to the international level.
In German politics, too, there was a harsh reckoning with relations with Russia.
The rude awakening in view of the excessive dependence on Moscow in the energy sector, but also in terms of hope for a good partnership, hit Germany with full force.
Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) commented on this in an interview with the Ukrainian state agency
Ukrinform
and acknowledged errors.
For the Germans and their political parties, however, a "turning point" has now come, she explained.
Ukraine war: "We trusted for too long" - Bas acknowledges German mistakes on Russia
"My party, but also other parties, had to experience a turning point in their political attitude," said the SPD politician and explained Berlin's mistakes with regard to Moscow: "Unfortunately, we have trusted in a common security system and partnership with Russia for too long." "Well-founded reservations" from Eastern European countries "were not taken seriously enough," said Bas.
She is certain: "That was a mistake."
Today, however, it is clear that Germany must again protect both itself and its allies from Russia, the President of the Bundestag emphasized to
Ukrinform
and again emphasized the aspect of a "real turning point for us Germans".
This is noticeable in security and defense policy, but also in energy policy.
The SPD is showing “great solidarity” with Ukraine.
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Ukraine war: Bas wants to support Ukraine "with all his might" in the "fight for freedom".
In connection with this, Bas also highlighted the support measures for Ukraine.
Sanctions against Moscow have been tightened again and again, with arms deliveries showing that aid to Ukraine is not just limited to convictions.
Ukraine needs weapons for self-defense.
"We must continue to act together, coordinate our efforts, pool our resources and support Ukraine in its fight for freedom," emphasized the SPD politician, adding: "As much as necessary and with all our might."
(bb)