Scholz justifies arms decision for Ukraine – Night at a glance
Published: Tuesday, Jun 4th 2024, 05:20
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz sees no danger in his latest change of course in Ukraine policy. "We are certain that it will not contribute to an escalation, because - as the American president has also described - it is only about being able to defend a large city like Kharkiv, for example," said the SPD politician in an interview with Antenne Bayern on Monday. "And I think it makes sense to everyone that this must be possible." Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, on the other hand, regretted that Scholz had not changed course sooner. At the same time, however, he defended the decision.
On Friday, government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit announced the Chancellor's decision that Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia, may now also fire weapons supplied by Germany against military targets in Russia. The previous day, the US government had given Ukraine permission to use American weapons on a limited scale against targets on Russian territory.
The opposition is nevertheless demanding an explanation from the Chancellor on this change in Ukraine policy. This is one of the reasons why Scholz (SPD) wants to make a government statement on the current security situation in the Bundestag this Thursday.
Habeck defends change of course
Habeck told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper (Tuesday) that Ukraine must be allowed to prevent attacks from Russia in order to better protect the lives of children, women and men. Prohibiting it from doing so would mean the death of more people. "The regulation now concerns a precisely localized region around Kharkiv. For self-defense, for protection. But it is also true that everything we have decided could have been decided more quickly."
At the same time, however, the Green politician defended Scholz against accusations of procrastination. "Dithering is the wrong word. There are extremely difficult decisions to be made and that's why it's good to weigh things up carefully," said Habeck. "In this case, the right decision was made."
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) signaled their openness to lifting restrictions some time ago. The SPD, however, as the largest coalition partner of the traffic light alliance, is warning against a direct confrontation with Russia should the Kremlin view the military aid as an aggressive act.
US Vice President Harris takes part in Ukraine peace summit
US Vice President Kamala Harris will attend the Ukraine Peace Summit, which is to take place in Switzerland on June 15 and 16. Harris will underline the US government's commitment "to support Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace", the White House announced. US President Joe Biden's security advisor, Jake Sullivan, will accompany Harris on the trip.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, more than 100 states and organizations have confirmed their participation in the summit. The meeting in Bürgenstock near Lucerne, to which Russia is not invited, is intended to mobilize more international support for the attacked Ukraine. Selensky had previously made an emotional appeal for Biden to attend the summit in person. US media, on the other hand, had already reported at the end of May that Biden would be attending an election campaign event in Los Angeles, California, at the time of the summit.
Soldiers' wives protest in front of Russian Ministry of Defense
Wives and mothers of Russian soldiers have demonstrated in Moscow for the return of their husbands from the war zone in Ukraine. Photos and videos were published on social networks showing almost two dozen women, some with small children, on the sidewalk in front of the Russian Ministry of Defense. Several demonstrators had brought placards with inscriptions such as "It's time for the mobilized to return home" and "Please bring daddy home!". Public anti-war actions are very rare in Russia due to massive state repression.
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