The SPD has concerns about the stationing of long-range US weapons. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock believes that more missiles are necessary as a deterrent – and warns against naivety.
Following criticism of the planned stationing of long-range US weapons in Germany, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock defends increased deterrence against Russia. Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has “the arsenal with which he threatens our freedom in Europe is continuously being expanded”the Green politician told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “We must protect ourselves and our Baltic partners against this, including through increased deterrence and additional stand-off weapons.”
Baerbock added: “Anything else would not only be irresponsible, but also naive in the face of a cold-blooded, calculating Kremlin.” Previously, SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich had expressed concerns about the US plans agreed with the federal government.
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On the sidelines of the NATO summit, the White House and the German government recently announced that the USA intends to station weapons systems in Germany again from 2026 that reach as far as Russia. These will include Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, which can technically also be equipped with nuclear weapons, as well as SM-6 air defense missiles and newly developed hypersonic weapons.
Annalena Baerbock: “Putin’s Russia is currently the greatest security threat”
Baerbock argued that Putin had already broken with disarmament treaties and the common European peace architecture years ago. “He wants to scare us, put us under pressure and divide our societies.” They want a different relationship with Russia, but the sad truth is: “Putin’s Russia is currently the greatest security threat to us and our peace in Europe. And the brave Ukrainians defend it every single day.”
Mützenich had admitted that the defence capability had to be improved in view of the Russian attack on Ukraine. At the same time, however, he warned that “the risks of this stationing” not to hide. “The missiles have a very short warning time and open up new technological capabilities. The risk of unintended military escalation is considerable”he told the Funke newspapers.
Even without the new systems, NATO has “a comprehensive, graduated deterrent capability”argued the parliamentary group leader of the Chancellor’s party. “I also don’t understand why Germany alone should station such systems.”
Source: Stern
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