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Dear Readers,
Friday marked the 1-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and German leaders assured Ukrainians that Germany would continue to stand by their side.
Germany reacted quickly to the invasion, taking in over 1 million refugees, applying sanctions alongside partners, and weaning off Russian energy. Germany is the largest EU donor to Ukraine, providing Leopard tanks, Marder vehicles, a Patriot Air System, Howitzers, etc., as well as ammunition and training. On Thursday, Germany announced that it would supply four more Leopard 2 A6 battle tanks to Ukraine, bringing the German total to 18.
On the anniversary of the invasion, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also reaffirmed that Germany wants “nothing more than peace. Peace for the people of Ukraine who are exposed to Russian terror every day. Peace for all people around the world who are suffering as a result of this war of aggression.”
“For us, the path to peace is clear,” she continued. “Russia must finally abide by the United Nations Charter again. Withdraw its troops, stop the bombardments. So that the suffering, the deaths, the rapes, the hunger, the freezing can end. To end this war that none of us ever wanted.”
Meanwhile, Germany is also providing support for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. And last week, Minister Baerbock and Interior Minister Nancy Faeser traveled to the earthquake zone in Turkey to see the damage for themselves and coordinate further aid and support.
"Our sympathy does not stop at just words and will also not wane when the disaster and its repercussions are no longer front-page news. We know that the people in the region will need tremendous strength and energy for the reconstruction process," Minister Baerbock said.
Germany has pledged around $115 million in aid for Turkey and Syria, while also easing visa entry restrictions for survivors who have friends or family in Germany.
Yours,
The "Germany for Americans" team |
