Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Baerbock stated that after the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine, Europe can no longer rely on mutual understanding with Russia and is forced to build its security based on the new reality.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle and the Polish TV channel TVP at the German-Polish forum in Berlin, the head of German diplomacy named Russia as the main threat to the security of Europe and NATO.
"Russia represents the greatest threat to NATO, as well as to the freedom and security of Europe," emphasized Baerbock.
"A Harsh Lesson" for Europe
According to the minister, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has become a turning point for European policy.
"This aggressive war has shattered all remaining illusions about the possibility of mutual understanding with Russia," he stated.
Baerbock noted that diplomatic efforts to end the war must continue, but European countries must assess the situation soberly.
"We must clearly understand that under current conditions we can ensure security in Europe only in spite of Russia. That is the sad reality," said the head of the German Foreign Ministry.
Germany Promises to Defend Every Inch of NATO Territory
The minister also confirmed Berlin's readiness to fulfill its allied obligations within NATO.
He reminded that Germany is deploying a full combat brigade in Lithuania for the first time since World War II.
"If there is an attack on NATO territory, German soldiers will immediately stand to defend every inch of this land," emphasized Baerbock.
According to him, Germany will not hesitate for a second in the event of a threat to its allies in the alliance.
Support for Ukraine Will Remain Unchanged
The head of the German foreign ministry stated that the majority of residents in Germany support aid to Ukraine and advocate for maintaining the current course.
Baerbock emphasized that Europe must not allow a forceful revision of borders and violations of international law.
"Germany will be firm on this issue," the minister stated.
Joint Statement by Germany and Poland
On the same day, Germany and Poland issued a joint statement regarding security issues in Europe.
In the document, the foreign ministers of Germany and Poland, Johann Baerbock and Radek Sikorski, indicated that Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has fundamentally changed the situation on the continent.
Moreover, the parties accused Moscow of hybrid operations and disinformation campaigns aimed at European states.
"Their goal is to divide our societies, destroy public order, and undermine trust in the state and its institutions. We will not be intimidated," the joint statement reads.
Berlin and Warsaw emphasized their intention to strengthen the resilience of their societies and jointly confront modern threats.
According to German authorities, the full-scale war in Ukraine has definitively changed Europe's perceptions of its own security. Berlin believes that support for Ukraine, strengthening NATO, and increasing defense capabilities remain key conditions for stability on the continent amid the ongoing confrontation with Russia.
