Dhe official Germany commemorated the anniversary of the Russian attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022 at the official residence of the Federal President at Bellevue Palace together with official representatives of Ukraine, but also with refugees and artists from Ukraine. In his speech, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that Germany admired the courage, strength and will of the Ukrainians to defend their freedom and stated: “We stand by your side in solidarity.”
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants to “destroy Ukraine as an independent nation”. International law, human dignity and peace – “none of these mean anything to Putin”. Everything on which living together in Europe is based “does not count for him”. As for Germany’s support for the Ukrainian resistance, Steinmeier promised in German and Ukrainian: “You can rely on Germany.” Until the end of the war, but also afterwards, Ukraine will need strong economic and military support, and Germany will also be there stand by her side.
Nowhere, according to Steinmeier, do people wish for peace more than in Ukraine itself. But a “sham peace” that leaves the country to the arbitrariness of the occupiers is unacceptable, the goal must be a “just peace”, said the Federal President with a look on the supporters of an appeal for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of military support for Ukraine, published by the publicist Alice Schwarzer and the left-nationalist politician Sahra Wagenknecht (Linke). Their call for demonstrations is not supported by their party, but by leading AfD politicians.
“It is Russia that is prolonging this war”
As far as peace talks are concerned, Steinmeier said: “It is still questionable whether the world power China wants to play a constructive role in this.” If that is the case, Beijing should not only talk to Moscow, but also to Kiev, saying it is Russia, “its neighbors brutally attacked”. And further: “It is Russia that is prolonging this war. Ukraine is not refusing peace, it is Russia,” said Steinmeier, adding: “Only when Russian troops withdraw will that open the way for peace.” There could be “no victory for Russia in this criminal war.” Putin allows people to destroy and murder, kidnap Ukrainian children and let “even their own soldiers bleed to death senselessly every day”.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a video message to Berlin on behalf of Ukraine. The President, who did not flee into exile after the attack, but took up the fight against the invaders, recalled the failure of diplomacy before the attack and European hopes that “economic relations could stop Russian tank columns”. Zelenskyi reported that Russia was turning the rubble of the 90 percent destroyed city of Mariupol into crushed stone for road construction and said it should not be allowed to “turn Ukraine into concrete crushed stone”.
Zelenskyj sends a video appeal
The Ukrainian President addressed the Germans and their government with the words: “German people, Mr. Federal President! Chancellor, Olaf! Now is the time when, with our courage and weapons, we can restore peace and create a historical safeguard against any aggression.” The soldiers and defenders in Ukraine could take care of that, “together with you! Along with everyone in the world who values life.”
