Ramelow: "We can go fast, and we're in the middle of a war"
Thuringia's Minister-President Ramelow warns of further escalation in conflict with the Kremlin. If Russia were to attack Lithuania, for instance, "it could happen very quickly, and we'd be in the middle of a war," he says, calling for a reorganization of European defense - one that includes Russia.
Thuringia's Minister-President Bodo Ramelow has warned against permanently alienating Russia. "We need a European peace order that includes Russia," the Left Party politician told the Funke media group's newspapers. "All participating states must sign a non-aggression pact and form a defense community focused on resolving conflicts on the European continent," he explained.
Ramelow emphasized that he is not against NATO, but rather advocates for a reorganization of European defense. "Germany needs a defense army that deserves its name. Therefore, I am firmly in favor of equipping the Bundeswehr well. But we must finally start thinking of Europe as a whole, and that includes Russia," he said.
Strengthening those who want change in Russia
Although Russian President Vladimir Putin "is not a representative of freedom and peace," Ramelow acknowledged. "But we must keep the country in view - and strengthen those who want change in Russia." The war in Ukraine and massive repression in the country could unleash forces in Russian society. "That's what we should rely on," Ramelow said.
The Minister-President of Thuringia, where a new state parliament will be elected on September 1, described the risk of admitting Moldova and Georgia to the EU. Both countries have unresolved territorial conflicts. "In the Moldovan region of Transnistria, all the weapons that the Soviet army possessed in the GDR are stored," he said. "These are smoldering conflicts that Putin could ignite at any time." He also referred to the German-led NATO brigade that is to be permanently stationed in Lithuania. In the Russian Duma, there is a proposal to abolish Lithuania's sovereignty, he said. "If that is dealt with, it could happen very quickly, and we'd be in the middle of a war."
The Commission might need to consider Ramelow's proposal for a reorganized European defense that includes Russia, as he believes it is crucial for resolving conflicts on the continent. Ramelow also suggested strengthening those advocating for change in Russia, as he sees potential for societal forces to emerge against President Putin's policies.
