Ukraine dispute at Maischberger
“Call Moscow and not Kiev”
By Marko Schlichting
February 21, 2024, 5:18 a.m
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When the Bundestag discusses further aid to Ukraine tomorrow, FDP defense politician Strack-Zimmermann does not want to vote for the traffic light parties’ proposal, but for that of the Union. At Maischberger she explains her reasons – and argues heatedly with BSW boss Mohamed Ali.
The FDP defense politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann could cause new trouble in the traffic light coalition. The politician wants to approve a Union proposal for aid to Ukraine in the Bundestag, she said on the ARD talk show “Maischberger”. There she had a heated exchange with the co-head of the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance, Amira Mohamed Ali.
“The matter is deadly serious”
The Bundestag will discuss further aid for Ukraine on Thursday. There are two motions up for vote, one from the government coalition, one from the Union. “The matter is deadly serious,” says Strack-Zimmermann on “Maischberger”. The traffic light proposal is very extensive. It makes it clear that they are working on NATO membership for Ukraine after the war and that Ukraine must win this war. “This motion will be voted on by the traffic lights, and I will also agree to that.” Then there is the CDU’s proposal. This differs from that of the traffic light in one essential point: while the traffic light demands that long-range weapon systems also have to be delivered, the Union proposal specifically calls for the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles. Strack-Zimmermann: “That just shows that the whole thing depends on one word.” And further: “I am now of the opinion that it must now be made very clear what are we talking about.” It’s about a weapon system of great relevance. “And that’s why I will agree to the CDU motion because I want the child to be called by its name.”
Amira Mohamed Ali from the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance speaks out against the Taurus deliveries. Military experts around the world are of the opinion that Ukraine cannot win the war militarily. “None of the offensives were successful. On the contrary: Ukraine is actually losing this war.” The Taurus cruise missiles are not the game changer. “But there is a danger that this will escalate the war further – namely even when German weapons can be fired directly into Russia from Ukraine.” Germany could be directly affected by this.
Strack-Zimmermann wants to know why Russia should be attacked. “Because the missiles can do that,” Mohamed Ali answers her. Ukraine wants to use the Taurus cruise missiles in Crimea, behind the line where the Russians are. Crimea is Ukrainian, counters Strack-Zimmermann. Mohamed Ali replied: “The Taurus missiles can also fly to Moscow.”
In fact, there are now voices calling for an attack on Russia. The CDU military expert Roderich Kiesewetter is one of them. He recently declared: “The war must be brought to Russia. Russian military installations and headquarters must be destroyed. We must do everything to enable Ukraine to destroy not only oil refineries in Russia, but ministries, command posts, command posts. “
Strack-Zimmermann does not comment on the CDU politician’s statements. But the moderator asks: “Do you want to bring the war to Russia?”
“I find the question completely absurd,” replies the politician, very excited. It would show a deep distrust if one were to assume that Ukraine would bomb Moscow. Over the past two years, the country has refrained from firing Western weapons at Russia.
That’s true, but Ukraine has already bombarded the Russian capital with drones of its own production.
Mohamed Ali for peace negotiations
For Mohamed Ali, the main thing is to end the war in Ukraine as quickly as possible. That’s why she demands that Western countries mediate talks between the two war opponents about a ceasefire. This also requires speaking to Russian President Putin. He’s a murderer, but he’s there. “I want people to stop dying every day in Ukraine.”
Now Strack-Zimmermann gets really angry. “Then call Moscow and not Kiev. That’s where it happens,” she shouts. “Those are always such pithy sayings, that’s not reality,” replies Mohamed Ali, who is now visibly angry.
The unity of the opponents
The moderator only manages to bring calm back into the discussion with difficulty. And in the end there is almost something like harmony when Maischberger addresses the question of reintroducing compulsory military service in Germany. Because both politicians are against it. Strack-Zimmermann for financial reasons, Mohammed Ali for fear that young people without a training place would see no other option than to apply for the Bundeswehr.
Maischberger leaves out one topic: Strack-Zimmermann’s demand for a coordinator to build a European army. The FDP defense politician has been demanding this for several weeks, most recently this Monday on ntv.