In his speech commemorating the end of World War II, Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended the supply of arms to Ukraine.

The federal government always carefully considered the decision to deliver heavy equipment to a war zone for the first time in the history of the Federal Republic, according to Scholz, according to the previously published speech manuscript.

"We'll continue."

Lorenz Hemicker

Editor in Politics

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Germany learned three lessons from the National Socialist era: never again war, never again genocide and never again tyranny.

Now the rights and freedom of those attacked are being defended “in the fight against the aggressor.” The fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin is now even comparing his “barbaric war of aggression” with the fight against National Socialism is “false history and infamous,” said Scholz.

"It is our duty to state this clearly." The Chancellor recalled that Germany was guilty of both nations in World War II when they fought together to the point of unconditional surrender in the Third Reich.

Now Germany is helping Ukraine to end the violence, with sanctions, with support for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who have now fled to Germany - Scholz thanked the citizens for their enormous willingness to help "from the bottom of their hearts." And with weapons.

The Chancellor expressed understanding for people who refused the arms deliveries or who are concerned that the conflict could escalate in this way, that peace in Germany could also be endangered.

It is wrong to dismiss these concerns, they must be voiced.

Nevertheless, the following applies: “Fear must not paralyze us.”

He, Scholz, will do everything to avert harm to the German people, the Chancellor repeated, just as he had sworn in his oath of office.

Germany's policy follows four principles: Germany does not go it alone, the ability to defend itself remains intact, and no steps are taken that harm Germany or its partners more than Russia itself.

And finally: Germany will not make any decision that would turn NATO itself into a war party.

"It stays that way."

With a view to the further course of the war, Scholz asked the citizens for understanding not to be able to say how long he would continue to rage in Ukraine.

The West, however, stands as closed and united as rarely.

"There will be no Russian dictated peace," said Scholz.

“Putin will not win the war.

Ukraine will survive.”

Steinmeier: War will demand a lot from Germany

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier had previously addressed the Germans.

The Russian attack on Ukraine is a "breaking epoch" that will also demand a lot from the Germans.

In his speech on the day of the capitulation of National Socialist Germany, Steinmeier described not only the political, but also the economic and social consequences of the war in Ukraine.

He said that democracy shouldn't just be defensive "in Sunday speeches", or in its political culture or in democratic commitment: "We also need modern armed forces and a better equipped Bundeswehr." Even if future conflicts are to be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations, it is true that successful negotiations can only be conducted from a “position of strength”.

Steinmeier said