WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – Secretary of Defense Christine Lambrecht is skeptical about Russia’s announcement that it will reduce its attacks in northern Ukraine. All announcements made by Russia or by President Vladimir Putin should be viewed with “great skepticism,” Lambrecht said on Wednesday in Washington after a meeting with her US counterpart Lloyd Austin. “Words have to be followed by deeds, that’s what matters now,” said the SPD politician. It’s not about just moving troops “and possibly looking for another way to continue this brutal war.”
After renewed peace talks, Russia promised to scale back hostilities near Kyiv and Chernihiv. Moscow expects Ukraine to remain neutral. Moscow invaded neighboring Ukraine five weeks ago after months of troop deployment. A few days ago, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that it was now concentrating on completely conquering the Donbass in eastern Ukraine, where fighting has been going on since 2014.
Lambrecht said of her meeting with US colleague Austin: “Of course, Ukraine was the focus of this exchange.” Putin failed to split NATO or the EU. “We are reliable partners. Our NATO allies on NATO’s eastern flank in particular can rely on that. No ifs or buts,” said Lambrecht. The task now is to equip the Bundeswehr so that it can fulfill its mission of defending the country and the alliance. That has to happen very quickly, according to Lambrecht. “Action is required, very quickly, because the threat is obvious.”/nau/DP/jha