Ukraine Conflict - Zelensky in the German Parliament: Putin must lose the conflict
The Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Germany for its backing in fighting the invading Russians and asked for ongoing support during a speech at the German parliament.
He mentioned, "It's in our shared interest that Putin loses this war." Zelenskyy added, "Putin is on his own against us all." He highlighted the necessity to compel Russia to change its ways and stated confidently, "There are no walls that can't be brought down."
Zelenskyy maintained that he does not solely rely on military force to achieve peace in Ukraine. With a peace conference in Switzerland coming up the following weekend, he said, "We're willing to give diplomacy a shot and have pooled together about a hundred countries. Ukraine has never leaned on the strength of weapons alone."
Notably, Russia was not invited to the conference, and China decided to pull out. Despite this, Chancellor Scholz remained hopeful that progress could be made at the meeting. He expressed, "Maybe we'll find a way for Russia to join the process somehow where Russia will be seated at the table at some point."
Zelenskyy's very first address in the German parliament presented Germany as the antagonist.
Prior to this, Zelenskyy had delivered remarks to Bundestag deputies on March 17, 2022, just three weeks into the Russian invasion of Ukraine. During that time, he reached out to Scholz on a video link from Kiev, urging him to increase Germany's military support: "Dear Federal Chancellor Scholz, take this wall down. Give Germany the leading role it deserves."
Since then, Germany has delivered tanks, missile defense systems, and long-range artillery, making it the second most significant supporter of Ukraine in terms of military and financial assistance, after the United States. Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for the promised delivery of Patriot air defense systems, which would save numerous lives. He did not ask for any other types of weaponry, such as Taurus missiles, during his third visit to Berlin since the start of the war.
Upon arriving in the German parliament, deputies showered Zelenskyy with a lengthy standing ovation. He came accompanied by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the plenary hall. Federal Council President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) along with his cabinet also took part in the session. Three bouquets of flowers in the Ukrainian colors of blue and yellow were placed on the lectern typically occupied by parliamentary stenographers.
Zelenskyy stated that the conflict must end conclusively, with no ambiguity about the victor. Russia must assume responsibility for instigating the war. "Russia must pay for the damage caused by their aggression." Afterward, deputies applauded him for many minutes standing.
Parliamentarians from the Left Party (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht, BSW) and the AfD, with the exception of four members, boycotted Zelenskyy's address. Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, the party leaders, expressed their opposition: "We refuse to listen to a speaker masquerading as a peace envoy." The BSW commented, "President Zelensky is unfortunately contributing to an escalation spiral and exposing Europe to the risk of a nuclear catastrophe."
Other groups and even Scholz criticized the AfD and BSW quite harshly. A government spokesperson stated to ARD headquarters, "This is disrespect." Scholz seemed "surprised but not utterly shocked." SPD faction deputy chair Dirk Wiese derided the AfD and BSW in the "Rheinische Post," stating, "Probably Kremlin ordered the absence." He had seldom witnessed such disrespect. Union faction leader Friedrich Merz referred to it as "a low point in the culture of our parliament."
The actual purpose of Zelenskyy's trip was an International Reconstruction Conference with 2,000 attendees from 60 countries, which he and Scholz officially opened together. Both emphasized the need for intensifying air defense to protect from Russian attacks. Scholz called on allies to license the corresponding German initiative "with everything they've got." "The best reconstruction doesn't need to happen."
Zelenskyy disclosed that at least seven more Patriot systems would be necessary to safeguard Ukrainian cities and metropolitan areas. "Air defense is the answer to everything," he stated, looking at the Russian attacks via cruise missiles, missiles, and drones.
Germany has already provided two Patriot systems, with another set to follow. Ukrainian soldiers are currently being trained on these. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced at the conference that Italy is prepared to contribute a new military package, including the Samp-T air defense system, to Ukraine.
The objective of the reconstruction conference is not to collect funds for the rebuilding process, but rather to connect the relevant actors from politics, business, civil society, and international organizations. Rather, it aims to foster initiatives such as business development or workforce training.
Scholz committed to helping Ukraine with significant and long-term state aid for reconstruction. He plans to advocate for this during the upcoming G7 summit with leading Western economic powers, which starts on Thursday. The World Bank estimates the need for reconstruction funds to be around $500 billion over the next decade. He also encouraged private companies to join in with investments, stating, "Due to the scale we're discussing, private capital must also be involved."
