Ukrainians in Germany Express Concerns Over US-Russia Relations

Concerns are rising among Ukrainians living in Germany following recent discussions between the United States and Russia regarding the situation in Ukraine. Oleksandra Bienert, head of the Alliance of Ukrainian Organizations in Germany, emphasizes that any Russian occupation will not lead to peace in Ukraine.

During a recent interview, Bienert highlighted the alarming developments following a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Putin claimed to desire peace. Shortly after this conversation, Russian military forces attacked the decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant, causing significant damage to the protective structure of the reactor that exploded in 1986. This action poses a grave risk to the entire European continent. Additionally, the city of Mykolayiv in Ukraine faced bombardment, resulting in approximately 46,000 residents losing access to heat and electricity.

Bienert stated that these incidents illustrate the nature of the 'peace' proposed by Russia, cautioning that the international community should not be misled by Russian claims. She argues that Russia's objective is not peace but rather the complete occupation of Ukraine. Furthermore, there are indications that Russia has been ramping up its weapon and ammunition production, suggesting a broader agenda that threatens European security.

In light of these developments, Bienert calls on European nations to take the situation seriously and to bolster their defense capabilities. She stated that Europe must ensure its own security and support Ukraine with military assistance, including facilitating its accession to the European Union and NATO.

Bienert also stressed the importance of pursuing a fair and lasting peace for Ukraine. Since 2014, Russia has occupied approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, affecting around six million Ukrainians who face persecution and human rights abuses. A just peace, according to Bienert, means restoring the territories occupied by Russia, addressing the suffering of the people, and holding those responsible for war crimes accountable.

She advocates for a European military presence in Ukraine and emphasizes that Ukraine should be integrated into NATO and the EU. She urged Germany to play a proactive role by supplying advanced military equipment and collaborating with European partners to ensure that any peace negotiations involve Ukrainian stakeholders directly.

Bienert expressed hope for Ukraine's future, asserting that the country has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience in maintaining independence. She believes that in the face of the current threats, it is imperative for Europe to learn from history and steadfastly defend Ukraine's sovereignty and the broader European peace framework.