In front of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, Olaf Scholz harshly criticized Moscow’s war of aggression against Ukraine. He promised the Ukrainians more weapons.
Berlin, September 21st, 2022 (The Berlin Spectator) — “Putin will only give up his imerialistic ambitions when he notices he cannot win this war”, Scholz said in his first speech at the General Assembly of the United Nations as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. He accused the Russian President of not only destroying Ukraine, but also ruining his own country. This was why neither a dictated peace nor bogus referenda would be accepted. Earlier, pro-Russian seperatists had announced referenda in the Donbas region.
Long List
Scholz told the U.N. Ukraine needed to be in the position to fight off Russia’s attack. Germany did all it could do to support the country. He mentioned financial, eceonomic, humanitarian and military help. Just before Scholz flew to New York, his government had announed the delivery of four more armored howitzers.
The list of weapons and other items Germany has sent to Ukraine already is rather long. It includes 30 self-propelled Gepard anti-aircraft guns with 6,000 rounds of ammunition, 3,000 155mm projectiles, flare ammunition, smoke ammunition, a Cobra counter battery radar system, 54 armoured personnel carriers, 53,000 rounds of ammunition for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, 3,000 anti-tank weapons with 900 firing devices, 14,900 anti-tank mines and 500 Stinger air defense systems.
Bunker Busters
In addition, Germany has sent 2,700 Strela air defense systems, 10 self-propelled howitzers (Panzerhaubitze 2000), 21.8 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms, 50 bunker busters, 100 MG3 machine guns with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks, 100,000 hand grenades, 5,300 explosive charges, 450,000 detonators, 10,500 155mm projectiles, anti-drone guns, multiple rocket launchers as well as countless other items.
Still, Scholz is constantly being criticized for not doing enough. So far, he has rejected calls for the delivery of Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine. The Chancellor has made clear Germany would not engage in solo action. What he means is that the Federal Republic will not send Western-made battle tanks as long as its partners do not take this step either. In his U.N. speech, Scholz accused Russia of “pure imperialism”. The return of the latter was a disaster for Europe and the world peace order. He defended the sanctions against Russia Western states put in place.
Permanent Member
In New York, the Chancellor also reiterated Germany’s wish to become a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. The Federal Republic was ready to take more responsibility. He asked the other 192 members to support Germany in this regard.