BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – Chancellor Olaf Scholz has highlighted Germany’s historic responsibility in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression. “We learned a key lesson from our country’s catastrophic history between 1933 and 1945,” said the SPD politician, according to the text of the speech on Sunday, in a television speech marking the 77th anniversary of the end of World War I in Europe on May 8, 1945. It read: “Never Again war. Never again genocide. Never again tyranny.” In the current situation, this can only mean: “We defend justice and freedom – on the side of the attacked. We support Ukraine in the fight against the aggressor.”
Scholz stressed that he was deeply convinced that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not win the war. Ukraine will survive. “Freedom and security will triumph – just as freedom and security triumphed over bondage, violence and dictatorship 77 years ago.” Contributing to this to the best of one’s ability today means “never again”. Therein lies the legacy of May 8th.
At the same time, the chancellor justified the government’s line of support for Ukraine. For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, weapons were sent to a war zone. “And always carefully consider heavy equipment, too. We’ll continue with that.” Scholz added: “At the same time, we don’t just do everything that one or the other is asking for.” Because he swore in his oath of office to avert damage from the German people. “That includes protecting our country and our allies from danger.”
The speech was to be broadcast by several television channels in the evening. Scholz had already given a TV speech shortly after the start of the Ukraine war on February 24./sam/DP/men