German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that a new era of ruthlessness has started concerning the dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Baerbock expressed that she couldn’t sleep comfortably due to the videos coming from the White House and sadly, it was not a bad dream but a harsh reality. Highlighting that the horror of today is larger than before, Baerbock emphasized the necessity of defending the rules-based international order and the power of law against the stronger more than ever, in a brutal period where they must fiercely protect them. Therefore, she mentioned their readiness to continue defending the power of law instead of the law of the powerful alongside those prepared to stand united in favor of a rules-based international order and law’s strength, stating that Europeans should take the lead more than ever and firmly defend their interests and international law.

“UKRAINE IS A PART OF A FREE AND DEMOCRATIC EUROPE” Baerbock indicated their support for sovereign and free Ukraine, asserting that Ukraine is a part of a free and democratic Europe. She criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for three years ago violating international law by unjustly attacking Ukraine and stressed the importance of not staying indifferent regarding what’s right and wrong. Baerbock pointed out that no one wants peace more than the Ukrainians and that everyone should be aware of the threat, as the one sitting alone in the Kremlin is responsible, not in Kiev or Brussels. She emphasized the undesirability of turning the perpetrator and the victim around.

“PEACE SHOULD BE FAIR AND DURABLE” Highlighting the importance of the U.S.’s diplomatic efforts, Baerbock stated that peace should be fair and durable, rather than just an interlude until Russia’s subsequent attack. She warned that turning the perpetrator and the victim around would be the end of international law and the security of many countries while being a disaster for the future of the U.S. Baerbock expressed that when the perpetrator and the victim are reversed, hardly any country could trust in the reliability of the oldest democracy and the strongest military force. Urging action for Europe’s security, Baerbock mentioned that waiting until a new government is formed in Germany is not an option as the situation is grave. She emphasized the need for Germany to take the lead during this historic period, as the world, especially Europe, is watching but does not expect the negotiations in Germany to conclude. German Foreign Minister Baerbock called for providing more support to Ukraine both from Germany and Europe and taking measures in that direction.