Europe must continue to build up its defence capabilities, assume greater responsibility for its own security, and establish strong and clear boundaries for Russia. Otherwise, Russian aggression will only come closer. At the same time, support for Ukraine, which has become an essential security partner, must be strengthened.
This was stated in a comment to Guildhall by Florian Hahn, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office.
“Russia poses a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability. This is why we must all build up our capabilities, assuming more responsibility as Europeans for a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO, as well as strengthen our support for Ukraine. Ukraine contributes to the security of all of us,” Hahn said.
According to him, Europe must be prepared for a possible war in order to prevent further Russian aggression.
“We, as well, have to prepare for war, so that we will never have to wage it. With our efforts we send a strong and clear message of deterrence, both in words and deeds: Europe will do everything necessary to withstand Russian aggression and defend itself. If we don’t erect strong and clear boundaries today, Russian aggression will only come closer tomorrow,” the Minister of State stressed.
Hahn noted that, in order to strengthen deterrence, NATO countries are increasing defence spending and developing their military capabilities. Germany, in particular, contributes around 35,000 troops, as well as more than 200 aircraft and ships, under NATO’s new force model. One of the key elements of Germany’s contribution remains the permanent deployment of a combat-ready brigade in Lithuania to protect NATO’s eastern flank.
“Russia is the biggest threat to European and transatlantic security. Germany will support Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression for as long as it takes. Ukraine has become an essential security partner,” Hahn said.
According to him, Ukrainian expertise, technology, and innovative developments have become an important element of adaptation to the modern battlefield and of strengthening credible deterrence.
Germany and Ukraine have also deepened their strategic partnership, which provides for the exchange of battlefield data, the delivery of hundreds of Patriot missiles, and the joint production of long-range strike drones.
Hahn also stressed that Russia has failed to achieve its strategic goals — neither in defeating Ukraine nor in weakening Euro-Atlantic security as a whole. EU sanctions remain an additional instrument of pressure and continue to be expanded, aiming to limit Russia’s financial capacity to wage war.
“The European Union has consistently made clear that the scope of restrictive measures will only increase for as long as Russia prolongs its unjustifiable, cruel and brutal war of aggression,” Hahn said.
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