German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock claims that the absence of war does not mean peace and that a world dictated by Russia carries the threat of new violence. She said this in an interview with the newspaper Berlin.Table.
According to Burbock, despite all international efforts, it does not yet appear that Putin plans to end his brutal destruction in 2023.
"The point is that it depends only on the Russian president whether Ukrainians will be able to live in peace and freedom again. The Russian president started this cruel aggressive war. And only he can end it. If Russia stops bombing and withdraws its soldiers, there will be peace. If Ukraine will stop fighting - there will be no more for Ukraine," she said.
Burbock sympathizes with calls for a compromise to end the war diplomatically.
"But behind this is the fact that someone would just like to accept a world dictated by Russia. And we see in the example of Belarus that the absence of war does not mean peace or even the end of violence, because people do not live in safety or freedom," - emphasized the minister.
"We know from the territories occupied by Russia what some now call compromise: exposing women to rape, men to murder and torture, children to abduction. Liberated cities such as Bucha, Rodzinki and Balaklia are evidence of this. Diplomatic efforts "But Putin wants to break or destroy the people of Ukraine. And this is exactly what we must prevent," she emphasized.
At the same time, she expressed her hope that Putin will come to his senses after all.
"But the principle of hope does not stop wars, but leaves people to die. And diplomacy is not only talking with aggressors, it is also cultivating international relations, strengthening the United Nations, providing humanitarian aid to women, men and children who need it Burbok said.
At the same time, she assured that Germany will support Ukraine as much as necessary.
"The positive in this terrible development is the humanity in our country, in all of Europe. When people had to choose whether they wanted to be on the side of the attacker or the victim, on the side of humanity or cruelty, not only the federal government, but also our society chose humanity," she said.
