Russian President Putin is continuing unabated the war of aggression against Ukraine that began almost two years ago; Ukrainian civilians are being killed every day. Ukraine urgently needs to receive more support from the West, demands German military expert Nico Lange.
SRF News: You warn in emphatic words about a Russian victory – why now?
Nico Lange: Vladimir Putin obviously has no plans to stop the war or agree to a ceasefire. In addition, domestic political discussions in the West run the risk that Putin will feel encouraged to continue because support for Ukraine could weaken. Particularly in German politics, it was never discussed whether we were helping Ukraine because it was attacked or whether our own security was also directly affected – although I believe the latter.
In your opinion, when would Russia have achieved victory?
Putin leaves no doubt about what he plans to do: he wants to end Ukraine’s existence as an independent state. It is intended to become part of a larger Russian empire.
Putin wants to dominate Europe.
Putin also says that Russia has no geographical, legal or political borders. He is serious and wants to expand his sphere of influence – Putin wants to dominate Europe.
What would a Putin victory mean for Europe?
Putin has been using military force to advance his interests for years. He obviously has no interest at all in developing Russia peacefully. If he is allowed to act in Ukraine, he will take new military steps after the Russian forces are realigned. He has already named the destinations: Moldova, Georgia or the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. You have to take this seriously.
Legend:
Ukraine needs more support from the West to drive the Russians out of the country, says Nico Lange.
Reuters/Thomas Peter
So what specific support are you calling for for Ukraine?
We must understand that it is also about our safety. And then we have to formulate a goal as to why we should support Ukraine. This should mean that Ukraine must expel Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. Then you have to mobilize the resources necessary for this goal. In particular, production capacities for ammunition, weapons or spare parts must be increased – in Ukraine, but also in Europe.
The Europeans must now take precautions for their own security and for Ukraine.
Because we are talking about a long war in which industrial production plays a very important role. And with regard to the USA, it is now particularly important for the Europeans. The domestic political discussions about how to further help Ukraine must be won through leadership and good arguments. The Europeans cannot simply rely on the fact that things will go well in the USA – they must now take precautions for their own security and for Ukraine.
How realistic is it that Putin will win in Ukraine?
The danger is actually realistic. And it doesn’t help to just hope for the best and that the problem will solve itself. We are affected and have to solve the problem.
We are the ones who have to step in and solve the problem.
It’s similar to witnessing an accident and hoping that someone who understands first aid will take care of the injured. The realization of the turning point is that we are the ones who have to intervene and solve the problem. But this has not yet sunk into people’s minds in Germany, but also in other European countries.
Brigitte Kramer conducted the interview.