Lack support for Ukraine to have dire consequences for Europe, says Germany’s defense minister

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned that while supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia is costly, the price of a Ukrainian defeat due to halted Western aid would be far greater, potentially leading to a massive refugee crisis and further aggression toward countries like Georgia and Moldova.

Sep 22, 2024 - 03:00

Lack support for Ukraine to have dire consequences for Europe, says Germany’s defense minister

Ukrainian refugees

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that while Germany pays a high price for aid to Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, the support must continue as the defeat of Kyiv would be far more expensive for the West, according to UkrInform.

Germany must realize that if Ukraine loses this war because of the lack of aid, then the country will no longer exist. Its defeat would trigger a massive influx of refugees into Europe. The crisis would worsen with potential attacks on Georgia and Moldova, the minister added.

Pistorius urged those who carelessly call for halting assistance for Ukraine, claiming “it’s not our war,” always to consider the consequences. He specifically criticized similar calls from populist political forces in Germany, such as the BSW and AfD.

“The same people who agitate against refugees are the ones provoking the next wave of refugees by not supporting Ukraine. That is just one consequence such actions could bring,” he noted.

Separately, the head of Germany’s defense ministry pointed out that through his war against Ukraine, Putin is “trampling on the rules-based international order.” If he can achieve his goals, the Kremlin dictator will conclude that the West is weak and can do whatever he wants.

“Then it could be the turn of Moldova or Georgia. Or, at some point, if he dares, he will attack NATO, for instance, the Baltic states. What signal does this send to other autocrats worldwide who are waiting to see that the West is not ready to defend the international order? This is precisely why aid for Ukraine is so crucial and has to be provided for as long as necessary. At least until Ukraine can say, ‘Now we can bring Putin to the negotiating table,'” Pistorius claimed.

The German minister added that steps must be taken to restore peace in Europe, but “currently, there are no signs that peaceful and secure coexistence with Russia will return anytime soon.”

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