“Security package for Kyiv”
Ex-NATO boss outlines further war strategy
2/9/2023 10:07 p.m
Former NATO Secretary General Rasmussen is currently in the Chancellery outlining a strategy to support Ukraine in the next phase of the war. Similar to the “Israeli model” with the USA, the West should help Kyiv to establish its own armaments industry.
Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen does not believe that arms deliveries from the West will lead to an escalation with Russia. “I’m not worried that we could escalate this war,” Rasmussen told Der Spiegel. “Appeasement to dictators doesn’t lead to peace, it leads to war because their appetites are limitless.” Rasmussen warned against being blackmailed by Putin. “Those who allow themselves to be blackmailed by a nuclear state are condemned to live in slavery. It would give other states an argument to develop nuclear weapons as well.”
Rasmussen saw concerns about an escalation, which Chancellor Olaf Scholz repeatedly cited as the reason for his hesitation, as an “excuse for not having to do anything.” In reality, it is always Putin who escalates the war. “That’s the pattern: Putin escalates and we respond with more arms deliveries,” said the former NATO chief.
Ukraine needs “all weapon systems”
Rasmussen is currently presenting a “security package” in the Chancellery, the Foreign Office and the Bundestag that he worked out together with the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak. It provides for further arms deliveries and the training of Ukrainian soldiers on Ukrainian territory. “We must provide Ukraine with all the weapons systems it needs to retake its territory,” Rasmussen said. “Of course, this also relates to the current debate about fighter jets.” Rasmussen explained that his proposal for a security package for Ukraine is based on the model between Israel and the United States. “Accordingly, the US supports the Jewish state militarily and financially so that it can defend itself against all dangers.”
His strategy for Ukraine comprises four elements, the former NATO secretary general told the magazine. The security package should make the Ukrainian military so strong “that it can successfully resist any future Russian attacks”. Second, intelligence cooperation should be improved. Thirdly, there is a need for joint exercises and training on Ukrainian soil. Ultimately, Ukraine must be put in a position to build up its own strong armaments industry. “We need a comprehensive strategy. If we only proceed step by step, Putin will take advantage of this and escalate the war.”