Ex-German president criticizes Merz over refusal to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine
Former German Federal President Joachim Gauck has criticized current Chancellor Friedrich Merz for continuing to block the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, calling it a mistake and a misguided attitude toward the victim of aggression.
Gauck made the remarks on the talk show Maischberger, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"This is a mistake. We see the aggressor with all his military capabilities, yet we treat the victim of aggression as if it were the threat to peace. That is unacceptable!" Gauck said.
According to him, the refusal is driven by fear of escalation – precisely what Putin wants.
"Why are we doing this? Out of concern that something might happen. But Putin takes our fears into account. He thinks: every threat I make restrains your resolve. This game works in his favor. That's why we need a new, serious approach," Gauck said.
He drew a parallel with the Cold War era.
"Just as in the time of the great bloc confrontation: always ready for negotiations on the one hand, but on the other – as Willy Brandt and others did – never surrender your own strength. Instead, say: I am a serious player on the field. I'm not waiting for you to become good or tolerant. I respond to your armament with my own, and you will see: if you go too far, it will cost you dearly," he said.
Gauck stressed that weakness encourages those who disregard the law. "The weakness of the decent is an encouragement to the shameless. We must constantly remind ourselves of that. Peace will not be secured by those who pretend the victim does not need support!" he said.
He also warned against misunderstanding pacifism. "We have begun to wake up after the 'turning point' speech by the previous chancellor. After Merz's speech at the Munich conference, we have already gotten out of bed. Now we just need to start moving. That is why we are rearming. We are rearming because those who violate the law and attack another country have no moral restraints regarding the weapons they use. And if we treat the victim of aggression by denying it the weapons needed for defense, what kind of virtue is that?" Gauck said.
He stressed the importance of rearmament and military support for Ukraine, noting that Ukraine is also defending Europe.
"There are people who have woken up. And they ask: what does someone who disregards the law respond to? Someone who shoots people mercilessly? That is what Putin does. He does not want only Ukraine. He wants more. That is why Ukrainians are defending us. That is why, together with Macron and others who are truly ready, we must spend money on armaments. This must be done!" Gauck concluded.
Photo: Herman Van Rompuy