Baerbock asserts: "Ukraine's support deters war from reaching us"
In light of Russia's dominance, Ukraine calls for additional backing in its struggle against the antagonists. Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, concurs - and issues a stark caution: withholding aid could lead to an increase in refugees and Russian soldiers at the NATO border.
The Green politician told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" that if support for Ukraine wanes, we could potentially see Putin's troops stationed at Poland's border. Essentially, the battle would then be on EU and NATO soil.
Baerbock also noted the financial implications of self-defense: "Estimating the cost of funding our freedom and security on our own is tricky." She went on to say, "The bottom line is this: Supporting Ukraine keeps the war away from us."
Baerbock also forewarned of potential refugee surges: "If Ukraine can no longer fend for itself - and I'm speaking to those who oppose aid - then millions more people will be forced to flee. Who would choose to live under torment and occupation voluntarily?" Over a million Ukrainians have already sought sanctuary in Germany.
"The consequences would be catastrophic - for a liberated Ukraine and a free Europe," Baerbock clarified. That's why the country needs more assistance. She reiterated her plea "urgently to all partners worldwide, to provide additional air defense systems."
Suspending the fiscal restriction?
Baerbock also cautioned against the dissolution of the Ampel coalition ( SPD, Greens, and FDP) due to the budget disagreement. "Aiding the adversaries of liberal democracy at home and abroad would be the greatest favor we could do by launching another European democracy into early elections," she stated. "Our responsibility as a government is to address issues even in trying times."
A bone of contention in the budget discussions is the fiscal restriction, which Lindner of the FDP is insisting on, but the SPD and Greens want to manage more adaptably. Through a state of emergency decree, the fiscal restriction could be suspended. Baerbock believes the conditions still apply. "What more dire emergency could there be than this war at the heart of Europe?" Baerbock inquired. "The disastrous outcome would be to say in a few years: We preserved the fiscal restriction, but at the cost of Ukraine and the European peace treaty."
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Annalena Baerbock underscores the importance of continued support for Ukraine, suggesting that withdrawal of aid could result in Russian troops approaching NATO's border in Poland and potentially shifting the conflict onto European soil. Furthermore, Baerbock highlights the potential refugee crisis that could ensue if Ukraine is left unassisted, warning that millions more people could flee and seek refuge in Europe.
Given the ongoing Attack on Ukraine and its severe consequences, Baerbock advocates for the suspension of the fiscal restriction in budget discussions, arguing that the current situation is a dire emergency that warrants such measures. She asserts that maintaining fiscal restrictions could lead to the sacrifice of Ukraine's liberty and the European peace treaty in the future.
