With Andrij Melnyk and Wladimir Klitschko, two voices from the Ukraine were guests on “Maybrit Illner” and “Markus Lanz”. One was mostly forgiving, the other demanded a lot.
Everyone agreed: the visit of Chancellor Scholz (and the heads of state of France, Italy and Romania) was an important message. While Wladimir Klitschko spoke in “Markus Lanz” above all about the fact that the visit was “an important message for the world and for Russia” to show “the world does not agree”, Andrij Melnyk saw something in “Maybrit Illner”. more sober. He admitted that the meeting in Kyiv is important for Ukraine “but hopefully also for the Chancellor himself”.
Ukraine: Scholz visit topic at Illner and Lanz
Of course, this assessment was much better suited to the Ukrainian ambassador in Germany, who has been much more demanding since February. While Klitschko exercised restraint and gratitude, his compatriot repeatedly criticized and called for more support from Germany on Twitter and on various talk shows. When asked about his statement that large numbers of those fleeing Ukraine were turning their backs on Germany because this country did not support Ukraine enough, the ambassador gave in. This statement would have been taken out of context, he would have seen great willingness to help among the many volunteers and the Germans in general. However, Melnyk did not want to retract the criticism completely, he pointed out that he had generally only reproduced what his compatriots reported to him in exchange. You shouldn’t insult people whose support you want, Maybrit Illner then gave her guest some good advice.
Wladimir Klitschko: “We ask a lot, we need a lot”
The Ambassador also noted that the Chancellor’s visit brought “a bit of hope” to his country. But she must not be disappointed, he warned, and action must now urgently follow. It is absolutely understandable and understandable that the Ukrainians keep asking for military support. Wladimir Klitschko also acknowledged the humanitarian and political support that Melnyk rarely acknowledges in public. “Germany is an important partner,” said Klitschko, precisely because of the diverse support.
“We ask a lot, we need a lot,” he said at Lanz, because the country is on the ground and a lot of people are dying. That has to be stopped as soon as possible and that requires (heavy) weapons. But the Germans shouldn’t forget that Ukraine will “give back a lot” because the Ukrainians are well educated. And that shouldn’t be forgotten in these times either: “If the war isn’t stopped, the world will notice.” threat sounded, Klitschko’s mouth sounded like sincere concern for all the countries that depend on crops from Ukraine.
Andrij Melnyk: “We’re giving the Germans the chance to do more today at the latest”
“We’re giving the Germans the chance to do more today at the latest,” Andriy Melnyk replied to Maybrit Illner’s question about whether Ukraine will blame Germany if they lose the war. Despite this well-placed tip against the federal government, he is not concerned with assigning blame, but with the realization that Germany could do more. He didn’t want to embarrass anyone with his statements about the lack of heavy arms deliveries, but to make clear the need for quick action.
Of course, the Ukrainian ambassador in Germany is right when he points out that weapons should be delivered better today than tomorrow, because they would have the greatest impact in the war against the Russian army at the moment. But that’s why you have to present a perceived order list, what exactly is needed now, preferably on the talk show, to wring concessions from a politician? In the background, of course, there are advisors who know exactly which weapons are currently important. But the density of military experts in German talk shows and the permanent mention of howitzers, Marder and Leopard tanks is irritating to worrying.
Melnyk: “We learn quickly, also via YouTube videos”
While Klitschko asked for general support with “Markus Lanz”, Melnyk was very specific. The old Soviet equipment, which has already been delivered, is good for the liberation of the occupied areas, because modern weapons would not even get there. But there is more at stake, according to Melnyk’s demand, the industry should also supply modern weapons. Training like the one some soldiers have just received in Idar-Oberstein should happen more quickly in the future. “We learn quickly, also via YouTube videos,” said the ambassador.
Wouldn’t such sentences be a reason to pause for a moment? Time to ask who is actually getting their hands on which weapons? Nothing, absolutely nothing speaks against military support for Ukraine, that is right and important and must not be interrupted. But shouldn’t it also be allowed to think and weigh up who should be handed which weapons? It is a horrible fact that people are dying every day in the war in Ukraine. children, women, men. That Russia is targeting civilians, that Russian soldiers are raping and killing. Shouldn’t there still be room for the question: who gets the guns? What happens to them once they cross the Ukrainian border? And what if the new weapons fall into the wrong hands?
Deliver more weapons quickly
In “Maybrit Illner” the editors recorded which country had already delivered how much of which military equipment to the Ukraine, but what that means exactly will not be clear to most viewers. We all see every day with what courage and strength Ukrainians defend their country, their freedom and also Europe. But many Germans always hear the same call on these talk shows: guns, guns, guns. It is never enough. Because it can never be enough until peace is won in Ukraine. One has to assume, said Andriy Melnyk, that the war will last a long time. He demanded that the West, in preparation for that time, order more weapons now to be shipped to Ukraine.
Wladimir Klitschko: “Russia should leave Ukraine”
We hope for an end to the war. When Markus Lanz asked Wladimir Klitschko about Ukraine’s war goal, he replied that this goal was defined by Russia. His country is about surviving and retaining the freedom to live in a democracy. There “are no further talks about areas to be ceded,” Klitschko said, making it clear what the demand is: “Russia should leave Ukraine.” According to Klitschko, he cannot imagine that the Ukrainians would accept any solution other than the “Russian army” leaving Ukraine.
Andrij Melnyk did not comment on the end of the war or possible negotiations with Illner. Instead, one topic was that Germany had become dependent on Russia. That was “an important factor even after the war” because this controversy was not resolved. His suggestion: Germany could learn from this experience and support Ukraine more. The Ukrainian also included the possibility of joining the EU. It is “not a gift” and we would benefit from it. The topic of “NATO could become relevant again,” predicted Melnyk. His compatriot Klitschko was also much more forgiving with Lanz on the point of German dependence on Russia. Mistakes were made in energy policy. “Somewhere I understand,” said Klitschko, but this lack of freedom should have been prevented in advance. Now the task must be to find solutions. And above all to stand by Ukraine as a strong partner and confidant.
Source: Stern
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