Germany's Baerbock: Aid to Ukraine is investment in our security
She stated this in her speech at a conference on national security strategy in Berlin, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"It annoys me a little when... we now see discussions in which support for Ukraine is seen as a charitable gesture, rather than what it really is - an investment in our national security. An investment in the protection of our peace and freedom. There can be no greater national interest," Baerbock said.
At the same time, she also recalled what irritates Germany's Eastern European neighbors: the German debate about not wanting to "be dragged into this war." However, for these countries, the question is not whether they want to be dragged into the war, but the fact that Putin is nearby and will not stop at Ukraine, Baerbock said.
She noted that Putin's plan is to divide NATO or destroy it. But Putin did not succeed, the minister said.
"Putin wanted to weaken NATO, but instead strengthened it. NATO is stronger than ever, although, of course, it faces even more challenges than ever," Baerbock said.
She recalled that Germany currently invests more than 2% of GDP "in its own military strength and defense," but this year will be difficult, because Putin's goal is to create further challenges to Europe's security.
"Putin's Russia will remain the biggest threat to our security in Europe for the foreseeable future. And so our security measures can only be the first step. Ideologically, Putin's Russia is on the way to totalitarianism. Vladimir Putin's imperialism - as he demonstrates again and again in his speeches - does not end with Ukraine. If you look at the numbers, Russia is preparing its armed forces for a major war, with plans for a multi-year war economy," the minister warned.
