After the video appearance of Ukrainian President Selenskyj, a debate was held in the Bundestag: whether the war in Ukraine and Germany's position on it should be debated.

However, the coalition preferred to get on with business as usual.

The federal government and the parties supporting it had already received enough beatings this morning - from Selenskyj, who was praised on all sides for his bravery, and to whom the coalition deputies also gave standing applause.

The Ukrainian head of state thanked for the help his country received in the fight against the Russian invaders.

He also asked for more support in Berlin, without being as specific as in Washington, where he had asked for the delivery of aircraft and long-range anti-aircraft missiles.

Weapon systems that could be used to break Russian air supremacy would make Putin's campaign extremely difficult.

Like most NATO members, Berlin has so far not been willing to deliver such weapons for fear of an escalation of the conflict, although the Ukrainian President was once again given the full-bodied assurance in the Bundestag: "Germany stands by your side."

More armor-piercing than solidarity phrases

But apparently Selenskyj hasn't given up hope that Berlin could still deliver something that is more armor-piercing than empty phrases of solidarity.

And/or support the desire to join the EU.

Selenskyj set the lever – ruthlessly – where it has the greatest effect in Germany: when it comes to the question of which obligations arise from the crimes and mistakes of the past.

The Bundestag has never heard from a guest that "Never again!" is "simply worth nothing".

Nord Stream 2 is not an economic project, but a "weapon" and the "cement of the wall" that is being built in Europe with German help.

These allegations must have rang in the ears of Chancellor Scholz and many other listeners in the hall or in retirement like gunfire.