Kiesewetter states that the Chancellor needs to adapt.
In Ukraine, they're given permission to strike Russian military targets using Western weapons, as per various guests on Maybrit Illner's talk show. While the program airs, news breaks out that US President Biden has given the green light for the utilization of US weapons against Russian objectives near the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. US media confirm this, citing internal US administration sources. Kharkiv is approximately 30 kilometers away from the Russian border and has experienced fire from Russian military bases on Russian land for several days. Both French President Macron and NATO Chief Stoltenberg had previously advocated for Western nations to permit Ukraine to employ weapons from the West against military targets on Russian sovereign ground. The decision is questionable, as Russian President Putin had previously threatened retaliatory actions, specifically targeting small, densely populated NATO nations. It's likely he had the Baltic states in mind.
As the news unfolds, the discussion on this topic has ended, and show moderator Illner does not revisit the topic. Earlier, the former commander of the US armed forces in Europe, Ben Hodges, had criticized Biden's cautious approach. "The notion of imposing restrictions to avoid any shots being fired across the Ukrainian border is appalling. There's no military, moral, or legal basis for it. It's a poor policy decision because the US government has not yet established a strategic goal for itself. And due to the absence of such a goal, it is challenging to craft a suitable policy." The potential threat from Russia to Europe and Germany is immense. Eventually, Biden will agree to the bombardment of Russian targets. "It's crucial for all of us that Russia loses in Ukraine." Biden and Chancellor Scholz share the overblown fear of Russia wielding nuclear weapons. In reality, Russia possesses numerous nuclear weapons, and Putin is unconcerned about the loss of innocent lives, including those of his own countrymen. "However, it's not very likely that Russia will utilize a nuclear weapon, as it wouldn't be an advantage for Russia."
What will Chancellor Olaf Scholz do now? Before President Biden's decision, the guests on Maybrit Illner's talk show were adamant: Scholz will endorse the usage of Western weapons against military targets in Russia. The Atlantic Bridge chairman and SPD politician Sigmar Gabriel: "Germany will always act in the context of NATO. And if the United States revise their positions, Scholz will follow suit."
CDU foreign policy expert and defense expert Roderich Kiesewetter suggests that Germany should not simply treat Russia as a menace, but also consider its Russian allies. "We need to prepare ourselves for a more defensive stance altogether." Hence, the chancellor must change.
Around Germany, a coalition of countries has emerged, demanding that the West do more in Ukraine, says Kiesewetter. "I believe Germany needs to do more. The government is prepared, the opposition will also back it, but the Chancellery needs to act."
A preliminary conclusion is that the war in Ukraine has entered a new phase on Thursday night. The discussion revolves around the possibility of a no-fly zone over Western Ukraine and the potential for NATO troops fighting in Ukraine. The politicians provide their perspectives, but don't directly answer the questions.
For Kiesewetter, it's obvious: Ukraine should become a member of the European Union promptly and acquire NATO status later. And for the West, "Peace implies: peace with freedom. And we must bring this about for Ukraine. That's why a different strategy is required: We need to employ everything that is legally permissible." The French President Macron and the Baltic states are requesting more engagement from Germany. "As for what should be done more ASAP, it suggests this is already a war on our turf." From January next year, Ries proposes relying less on American support. Germany must adjust its course to contain Russia. This message should be recognized by the population.
