Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany calls for ‘courage’ as war drags on

###Ukraine’s Role in Germany’s Election Campaign: A Call for Courage and Clarity

As Germany approaches its federal elections, the war in Ukraine has notably receded from the forefront of political debates. Despite Germany’s significant contributions to Ukraine’s defense, including becoming the second-largest military supporter, the issue has been overshadowed by domestic concerns such as migration and economic security. Oleksii Makeiev, Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, expresses concern that the war has not received the attention it deserves in the election campaign. He emphasizes that supporting Ukraine is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic interest for Germany and Europe. Makeiev argues that Ukrainian victory is crucial for European security and that political leaders must demonstrate courage by making the war a central issue in their campaigns. By failing to address it, politicians risk undermining public awareness of the conflict’s gravity and its direct implications for Germany.

### The Evolution of Germany’s Support for Ukraine: Progress and Challenges

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Germany has made significant strides in supporting Ukraine, transitioning from initial hesitation to becoming a key military and financial backer. Ambassador Makeiev acknowledges this progress, noting that 16% of Ukraine’s military aid now comes from Germany. Public opinion in Germany also remains broadly supportive, with 67% of respondents in a recent survey backing continued arms deliveries. However, Makeiev expresses concern that political debate has not fully reflected this public consensus. During the election campaign, discussions about Ukraine have been surprisingly muted, with some politicians appearing reluctant to engage with the issue. Makeiev suggests this reluctance stems from a lack of political courage and a tendency to avoid complex or unpopular topics during the campaign. He urges leaders to prioritize honesty with voters, arguing that addressing the war is essential for Germany’s long-term security and global responsibility.

### Addressing Skepticism and Misconceptions: The Ambassador’s Message

In his efforts to counter skepticism, Ambassador Makeiev frequently encounters questions about the feasibility of Ukraine’s victory and the broader implications of the war. When asked what achieving peace and ending the conflict means for Ukraine, he remains unequivocal: Russia must withdraw entirely from Ukrainian territory. Critics often dismiss this as unrealistic, but Makeiev counters by drawing parallels to personal security, arguing that no one would expect a victim of burglary to tolerate criminal occupation of their home. Such skepticism, he believes, reflects a broader failure to grasp the scale of Russian aggression and its consequences for global security. Makeiev emphasizes that Russian actions are not merely a Ukrainian problem but a threat to the entire democratic world. He calls on German leaders to communicate this reality clearly and to outline a vision for holding Russia accountable for its actions.

### The Underreported Toll of the War: Crimes and Human Suffering

The ambassador also highlights the deeply traumatic impact of the war on Ukrainians, pointing to recent reports of Russian forces executing Ukrainian prisoners of war. While such atrocities have gained some media attention, Makeiev believes they are often downplayed or suppressed in public discourse. He notes that many Germans avoid engaging with the educators’ harrowing details, reflecting a broader reluctance to confront the war’s true horror. This avoidance, he argues, undermines efforts to hold Russia accountable and limits public understanding of the conflict’s stakes. Makeiev acknowledges the work of German media in covering the war but criticizes other sectors, such as science and culture, for failing to address the conflict’s implications. He urges greater accountability and moral clarity, emphasizing that collaboration with Russia in any form risks trivializing its war crimes.

### The Threat of Hybrid Warfare and Its Implications for the West

Ambassador Makeiev rejects the term “hybrid warfare,” arguing that it undermines the severity of Russia’s actions. He asserts that Russia is already waging war against Germany and the broader West, pointing to examples of sabotage, cyberattacks, and political interference. Makeiev believes that Russian aggression is often misrepresented as a distant conflict, when in reality, it poses a direct threat to European security and stability. He calls for greater political courage in acknowledging this reality, urging German leaders to integrate the issue into their election campaigns and policy platforms. While public concerns about economic stability and domestic policy are valid, Makeiev insists that they cannot overshadow the existential threat posed by Russia’s actions. By failing to address this threat, Europe risks compromising its core values and security.

### A Message of Responsibility and Leadership: The Path Forward

In conclusion, Ambassador Makeiev’s message is one of moral and political urgency. He calls on German leaders to demonstrate leadership by prioritizing Ukraine’s cause in the election campaign and beyond. Makeiev emphasizes that support for Ukraine is not a charitable act but a vital investment in Germany’s and Europe’s security. He warns against complacency and short-sighted economic interests, particularly those that seek to resume trade with Russia once the war ends. Instead, he advocates for sustained economic sanctions and the seizure of Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction. Makeiev’s appeal is not only to politicians but to all Germans, urging them to recognize the war’s implications for their own future. By advocating for Ukrainian victory and accountability for Russian aggression, he believes Germany can uphold its values and contribute to a just and lasting peace.