“We are stronger than Putin”
Baerbock defends German aid to Ukraine on Fox News
September 15, 2023, 8:13 a.m
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During her trip to the USA, Foreign Minister Baerbock not only attends on-site appointments, but is also available for an interview with the US television channel Fox News. It’s about German aid to Ukraine, China and the climate crisis. The coming US elections are hanging over everything.
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called on the USA to make a joint effort against the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. “Putin is also fighting democracies around the world and that’s why we have to stand together,” said the Green politician on Thursday in the program “Special Report with Bret Baier” broadcast by the conservative TV channel Fox News. In doing so, she also encountered critical voices, especially from the ranks of the Republicans, who accused the federal government of a lack of commitment. “We are stronger than Putin’s brutal aggression,” added Baerbock. Asked how the war could end, Baerbock said: “With freedom and peace for Ukraine. And we will support Ukraine as long as that lasts.”
The Green Party politician also spoke about her visit to Texas, where she met Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Baerbock said she wanted to get an idea of everyday life in the general population. She also found out about how the state, known for its rich oil reserves, is switching more and more to renewable energy.
TV appearance between the president’s son and aliens
There was a technical glitch during the six-minute conversation with the minister, which is why Baier had to be replaced by substitute moderator Rich Edson for two questions. The right-wing conservative broadcaster’s interview with Baerbock was embedded in reporting on the indictment of US President’s son Hunter Biden and the announcement of an interview with the controversial Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The show also featured a report on findings about extraterrestrials.
This Friday, Baerbock continues her visit to Washington with consultations with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Further support for Ukraine, which has been attacked by Russia, is also likely to play an important role at this meeting. Before the start of the UN General Assembly in New York at the beginning of next week, it is also expected that topics such as further dealings with China and measures to prevent the worsening of the climate crisis will be addressed. The mood in the USA before the presidential elections in November 2024 could also play a role in Baerbock’s conversation with Blinken.
Baerbock speaks to Republicans
There is concern in the federal government that Republican Donald Trump could become president again. In this case, it remains unclear how the future US government would position itself in multilateral organizations. During Trump’s first term in office, the US government alienated many allies by going it alone on the international stage.
Since Tuesday, Baerbock has been getting an idea of the political and social situation in the USA. Before her visit to the capital, she spent two days in Texas. Like Chancellor Olaf Scholz, she will take part in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly next week.
After a meeting with opposition Republican congressmen, Baerbock made it clear on Thursday that she also sees support for long-term support for Ukraine within the ranks of the Trump party. If Putin wins the war against Ukraine because there is no longer any further support for Kiev from Europeans and Americans, “that would also be a fatal signal to other dictatorships, to other autocracies in this world,” said the minister.