Steinmeier in the Bundestag: Putin lies about history and Trump turns away from the world
9 May 10:04
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered a speech in the Bundestag in which he sharply criticized the Kremlin’s policies. He accused Russia of spreading “historical lies”, presenting the war against Ukraine as a continuation of the fight against fascism, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Steinmeier emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack on a free and democratic nation has nothing to do with the fight against the Nazi regime during World War II.
The German president also expressed concern about the direction in which the United States is moving under the leadership of former President Donald Trump. He spoke of a “double break with history,” referring to both Russian aggression and the US withdrawal from the postwar international order.
The fact that the United States, which had a decisive influence on the formation of this order, is now turning away from it is a shock of a completely new scale,” he said.
Steinmeier warned that these developments mark the end of a long era in the 20th century, and emphasized the need for Germany to become stronger not to wage war, but to prevent wars.
“The world is seeing with horror that even the oldest democracy in the world can quickly be threatened if the judiciary is ignored, the separation of powers is undermined, and academic freedom is attacked,” the German leader emphasized.
In his speech, Steinmeier also recalled the lessons of World War II and called for the defense of democratic values against the rise of authoritarianism and populism in Europe. He emphasized that Germany, with its history and experience, is particularly well prepared to meet the challenges of this period.
In conclusion, Steinmeier emphasized the importance of continuing to support Ukraine and not forgetting the sacrifices made during World War II. He warned that leaving Ukraine without protection and defense would mean forgetting the lessons of May 8.
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