Is Germany doing enough to help Ukraine?
This question is currently splitting both the traffic light and NATO. While some countries (e.g. Latvia) make serious accusations against Germany, others (e.g. France) emphasize the unity with the federal government. The reason: Germany does not want to equip Ukraine with weapons against the Russian aggressor.
On the other hand, small Estonia in the northern European Baltic region has clearly sided with Ukraine. Tallinn supplies pistols, anti-tank missiles and would also like to supply Ukraine with howitzers. But this delivery is blocked by Germany, since the artillery pieces come from former stocks of the National People’s Army (NVA).
BILD spoke to Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (44) about her view of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the risk of war in Europe and Germany’s role in defending Ukraine.
BILD: Prime Minister Kallas, the current security situation in Eastern Europe is assessed differently. Are we on the verge of a war?
Kaja Kallas: “The situation in Europe is more tense than ever. Russia is massing its forces on the Ukrainian border and using aggressive rhetoric. We hope that diplomacy and dialogue will prevail, but the risk of conflict is real. We must be prepared for the appropriate steps if Russia abandons diplomacy.”
Foto: Getty Images
” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/mit-holzgewehren-trainieren-ukrainische-volunteers-die-dedeferung-ihres-landes- gegen-eine-der-hoc-971ad20461a54a508861a441c8978198-78986614/ picture/4.picture.jpg”/> With wooden guns, Ukrainian volunteers train to defend their country against one of the most heavily armed armies in the world. Estonia is therefore sending weapons to KievFoto: Getty Images
The US and NATO recently rejected Russia’s “security guarantees,” which indeed contained far-reaching demands. In your opinion, was this rejection correct?
Called: “Russia demands not only that NATO abandon its open-door policy, but also that it reverse its previous decisions. We cannot allow Russia to restore its political and military influence over its neighbors. The Kremlin wants to persuade us to make concessions on Europe’s security. This is a trap and an attempt at blackmail. Russia has no say in NATO decisions and we will not respond to Russia’s ultimatums.”
So far, how do you rate the West’s reaction to Russia’s recent actions in relation to Ukraine?
Called: “The alliance and the EU gave Russia a clear signal of what would happen if a country’s sovereignty was violated. Any escalation will be met with serious consequences that would have long-term repercussions. Our position is clear: if Russia escalates the situation on the Ukrainian border, sanctions will be imposed. We must not forget that sanctions are most effective when they are robust, tough and precise, and when their implementation is well timed. Only then do sanctions have their full deterrent effect. We must continue to speak with one voice, stay true to our principles and be unequivocal in standing up for our values. Russia is testing our unity – that is why the democratic countries, the EU and NATO must remain resolute and united.”
What do you expect from Europe in dealing with the “Russian trap”, as you call it?
Called: “Unfortunately, there is no sign that Russia plans to ease tensions. We must not fall into this trap designed to lure us into concessions about Europe’s security. Any admission, however small, would give Russia something that Russia did not have before. That’s why we have to be prepared for an escalation of the situation.”
How do you assess the current relations between Germany and Estonia, especially against the background of support for Ukraine and defense of its sovereignty?
Called: “We encourage our German partners to listen to the Ukrainians. Ukraine asked for help. The country needs help in its self-defense against the aggressor. Germany is a close and important partner and ally of Estonia and we remain in close contact. Each country has the right to decide its own role, and we welcome all efforts to provide Ukraine with any possible assistance. After all, we all agree that Russia is aggressively escalating the situation. We are united in our support for Ukraine and her self-defense.”