Talk to Russia’s partners
SPD parliamentary group leader: Isolate Putin diplomatically
04/30/2022 03:31 am
Germany is now supplying heavy weapons to Ukraine, but that shouldn’t be the end of it, warns SPD parliamentary group leader Mützenich. He advocates a diplomatic offensive. The federal government should influence those countries that have not yet turned their backs on Russia.
SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich has called on the federal government to approach countries that have so far supported Russia, for example for economic reasons, with diplomatic initiatives. “It is crucial that Russia’s strategic partners turn their backs on Putin. 45 countries, including five nuclear powers, have not condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine,” said Mützenich in the “Rheinische Post”. “Putin’s government must be isolated. And we must achieve this through talks in the countries.”
For example, India wants to buy large amounts of gas from Russia. China is also an important supporter of Russia. Likewise Brazil, South Africa and other countries, said Mützenich. “It is now the task of our partners, but also of German foreign policy, to take a look at these countries and negotiate on-site talks about alliances against Putin’s Russia.” Such initiatives would certainly gain additional weight if Germany or other large countries sent a delegation.
The SPD parliamentary group leader said that even after the decision to deliver heavy weapons to Ukraine, he did not see Germany as a war party. “Germany has long contributed to the delivery of so-called heavy weapons to Ukraine,” said Mützenich. “After careful consideration, the federal government agreed that such systems should come from partner countries and now also from Germany.” Nevertheless, care must be taken that NATO does not become a war party. “We all agree on that. And we won’t do that with our contributions either.”
Mützenich rejected criticism that the decision could contribute to escalation. “In accordance with international law, we support Ukraine in self-defense. That’s why we deliver – internationally coordinated – what is possible,” he said. “The escalation dominance lies in Moscow. Not with us.”