The federal government is understandably fearful of tensions with Russia
"Simultaneously, we have to come back into talks with the Russian side about disarmament initiatives," Hebestreit continued. He added: "That probably requires taking a deep breath - Russia is behaving very aggressively at the moment."
The reason for the planned stationing of US missiles, Hebestreit said, is "that we have to protect ourselves perspectively from threats." At the same time, the German government "also wants to come back into a disarmament situation through dialogue channels with the Russian side, which Russia has been gradually provoking in recent years."
The Kremlin reacted to the plans over the weekend with threats: European capitals could become targets for Russian rockets, a Kreml spokesperson said. Hebestreit commented on this, saying that such statements from Russia should be "taken seriously as a matter of principle," but they contained "no newsworthy content."
A spokesperson from the Foreign Office said on Monday, looking at the threats from the Kremlin: "We will not be intimidated and will not be afraid of such statements, which ultimately only describe the facts."
The US and Germany announced the stationing of long-range US weapons systems in Germany from 2026 on Wednesday. Specifically named in a joint statement at the NATO summit in Washington were missiles of the SM-6 type and Tomahawk missiles, as well as hypersonic missiles still in development, which have greater ranges than previous weapons systems in Europe. The stationing is intended to underscore the US commitment to NATO and its contribution to deterrence against Russia.
- Despite the tensions, Steffen Hebestreit emphasized the importance of re-engaging with Russia from a disarmament perspective, stating, "The Federal Government also wants to return to a disarmament situation through dialogue channels with the Russian side, which Russia has been gradually provoking in recent years."
- Amidst the anxiety triggered by Russia's aggressive behavior, Hebestreit suggested that a dew-calming approach may be necessary, suggesting, "That probably requires taking a deep breath - Russia is behaving very aggressively at the moment."
- In response to the announcement of US missile stationing in Germany, the Kremlin issued threats, saying, "European capitals could become targets for Russian rockets," a spokesperson stated over the weekend.
- In light of these threats, a spokesperson from the German Foreign Office maintained a firm stance, saying, "We will not be intimidated and will not be afraid of such statements, which ultimately only describe the facts."
