Politics begins with looking at reality.

Especially when we don't like it.

Part of reality is that imperialism is back in Europe.

Many had hoped that close economic ties and mutual dependencies would ensure stability and security at the same time.

Putin has now visibly destroyed this hope with his war against Ukraine.

The Russian missiles not only caused massive destruction in Kharkiv, Mariupol and Kherson, but also reduced the European and international peace order of the past decades to rubble.

In addition, the condition of our Bundeswehr and civilian defense structures, but also our excessive dependence on Russian energy suggest that we felt a false sense of security after the end of the Cold War.

Politics, business and large parts of our society were only too happy to draw far-reaching consequences from the dictum of a former German defense minister, according to which Germany was only surrounded by friends.

That was a mistake.

After the turning point that Putin's attack means, nothing is as it was.

And that's why things can't stay the way they are!

But just the determination of a turning point is not a program.

From the turning point comes a mandate to act – for our country, for Europe, for the international community.

We must make Germany more secure and resilient, the European Union more sovereign and the international order more sustainable.

The sanctions are starting to take effect

The new reality includes the 100 billion euros that we decided to set up as a special fund for the Bundeswehr.

They mark the greatest turning point in the security policy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

We are equipping our soldiers with the material and skills they need to vigorously defend our country and our allies in this new era.

We simplify and accelerate the far too cumbersome procurement process.

We support Ukraine for as long as it needs this support: economically, humanitarian, financially and by supplying arms.

At the same time, we ensure that NATO does not become a war party.

Finally, we end our energy dependency on Russia.

We have already achieved that with coal.

We want to stop Russian oil imports by the end of the year.

In the case of gas, the share of imports from Russia has already fallen from 55 to 30 percent.

This path is not easy, not even for a strong, prosperous country like ours.

We will need staying power.

Many citizens are already suffering from the effects of the war, above all from the high prices for petrol and food.

Many are concerned about their next electricity, oil or gas bills.

The federal government has therefore launched financial aid of well over 30 billion euros to support the citizens.

The various measures are now beginning to take effect.

But the truth is that the global economy is facing a challenge that has not been seen for decades.

Broken supply chains, scarce raw materials, the uncertainty on the energy markets caused by the war - all of this drives up prices worldwide.

No country in the world can stand alone against such a development.

We have to stick together and join hands, as we have agreed in this country as part of the concerted action between employers, trade unions, science and political decision-makers.

I am convinced that we will then emerge from the crisis stronger and more independent than we entered it.

That's our goal!