As of: March 27, 2024, 4:31 p.m
By: Niklas Hecht
Comments
Press
Split
Green MP Deborah Düring on the war in Ukraine, new arms deliveries and the huge profits of the arms industry.
Berlin/Frankfurt - The Taurus debate is emblematic of the federal government's struggle to find the right level of military support for Ukraine, which has been defending itself against Russia's attack, which violates international law, for more than two years.
In the interview, the foreign policy spokeswoman for the Green parliamentary group, Deborah Düring, clearly supports the delivery of cruise missiles, describes the debt brake as a “security risk” for Germany and describes her own impressions from the war zone.
Ms. Düring, how do you assess the current situation in the Ukraine war?
The situation in Ukraine is extremely dramatic.
Large parts of the front line are mined.
Russia wants to wipe out Ukraine and therefore does not shy away from attacking civilian infrastructure such as hospitals.
At the same time, Ukraine lacks sufficient equipment and, above all, ammunition to effectively defend itself against the attacks.
The country also protects us and our freedom in this war that violates international law.
This is also why we must continue to support Ukraine both militarily and civilly in order to make it clear to Russia and other autocracies that borders in this world must not be moved by force.
“Ukraine needs long-range weapons systems like the Taurus system”
In your opinion, is Germany doing enough to support Ukraine?
On the one hand, Ukraine has an enormous need for support, and on the other hand, the destruction caused by Russia is massive.
Therefore, Ukraine relies on both our military and civilian support for maintenance and reconstruction.
Because if roads and energy supplies no longer work and social life collapses, Ukraine can no longer continue the war.
It is therefore good that Germany is making comprehensive resources available to Ukraine.
We also have to be clear: This will cost something.
When it comes to military aid, we Greens have a clear position: Ukraine needs as many suitable weapons and ammunition as possible and as quickly as possible.
Unlike the Chancellor, the majority of your group is in favor of the Taurus delivery.
Yes, Ukraine needs long-range weapons systems like the Taurus system, but not as an end in itself, but because of its capabilities.
This allows the Ukrainian army to reach strategically relevant targets from a great distance.
At the same time, debates about individual weapon systems don't get us anywhere.
We should pay more attention to what capabilities Ukraine needs in its fight for survival.
What is particularly important is that both ammunition and weapons deliveries must be made as quickly as possible.
We can't afford any more delays.
My news
Baby happiness after the end of his career: Olympic ski champion becomes a father for the first time a few days after retirement
40 minutes ago
Bankruptcy of German industry giant: next traditional company goes bankrupt
“Technical problems” with the Leopard: Denmark points to Germany after bumpy Ukraine donation
57 mins ago
Accident with five deaths on the A9 near Leipzig: Investigators provide initial information about the cause
Is the end of Putin's Ukraine war coming?
Kremlin sources reveal possible plan for Kharkiv
Sweater, park bench, daffodils: The hidden messages in Princess Kate's video reading
How do you view the German arms industry's great profits from the war?
Due to increasing conflicts in the world, we must recognize that in addition to more prevention, humanitarian aid and diplomatic skills, we also need more weapons and defense companies that produce weapons.
What is important is that we have to think about defense policy efficiently on a European and Europe-wide basis.
This means, for example, considering who can best produce which weapons.
It must also be clear that the industry offers reasonable prices and does not take advantage of Ukraine's situation.
Reforming the Bundeswehr's procurement system is another point.
“The debt brake is a security risk for Germany”
Is it also a bitter realization for you as a Green that the production of armaments is becoming more important again?
Of course I would like a world without weapons and that is still my goal.
But Ukraine needs weapons to defend itself in this fight for survival; anything else would be naive.
Nevertheless, I notice the very strong profits of the arms industry and also look with concern at the monopoly positions that sometimes exist in the industry.
Transparency and fair prices are all the more important here.
It is essential to deal responsibly with an industry that simultaneously saves lives but can also cost money.
For example, we need to discuss whether the additional profits from the defense industry should be skimmed off and how we can shape the industry in Europe so that it works in accordance with our values.
It may sound paradoxical, but if Ukraine can repel Russia's attack, we will be much closer to a world without wars.
Green MP Deborah Düring calls for more support for Ukraine.
© Victor Martini
To person
Deborah Düring
, 29, has been sitting for the Greens in the German Bundestag since 2021.
The Frankfurt peace and conflict researcher has been the foreign policy spokesperson for the Green parliamentary group in the Bundestag since January 2024; she was previously development policy spokesperson.
They are demanding that the debt brake for aid to Ukraine be suspended.
The debt brake is a security risk for Germany - and not just when it comes to supporting Ukraine.
Investments are also needed for our defense, in matters of climate protection and transformation of the economy, and for greater social justice.
We should not only look at our own security from a military perspective.
Critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, which need to be protected against cyber attacks, for example, also exists in Germany.
That's why I'm in favor of a fundamental reform of the debt brake, which gives us more financial leeway when it comes to important future issues.
You visited Ukraine yourself last year. What were your personal impressions of the war?
I was deeply impressed by the Ukrainian population's resistance to Russia's attack.
The people there do not want to let Putin take away their freedom.
That's why they are rebuilding their destroyed houses, roads and power lines for the third time if necessary.
'Reconstruction is resistance,' Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandra Azarkhina told me.
For Ukrainians, this is also a way of overcoming trauma.
At the same time, normal life continues there despite the war.
People sit in cafes, work in offices, children go to school.
I found this resilience incredibly strong, that people say we will carry on with our lives and not let Putin take away our freedom.
And I experienced huge gratitude for the German support and solidarity on site and at the same time took away the message that we must not let up!
The interview was conducted by Niklas Hecht.