Berlin, August 04, 2024, The Europe Today: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has defended a recent agreement with Washington regarding the stationing of long-range US missiles in Germany, emphasizing the need for enhanced security in light of the threat posed by Russia.
In an opinion piece for the German weekly Bild am Sonntag, Baerbock asserted that relying solely on hopeful aspirations will not safeguard Europe from Russian aggression. “Making foreign policy today means recognizing that the principle of hope will not protect us from [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s Russia,” she wrote. “What protects us now is that we invest in our own security and strength — in the EU, in NATO, and in Germany. And this includes the decision to deploy long-range American weapons systems.”
Baerbock highlighted the necessity of a “credible deterrent” against Russia, which she believes is essential not only for Germany but also for neighboring countries such as Poland, the Baltic states, and Finland. These nations, she noted, share direct borders with Russia and have faced hybrid threats in recent months.
The Foreign Minister criticized Putin for his consistent response to peace initiatives with escalation, stating that his ultimate goal is for Ukraine to “submit to him.”
Details of the US Missile Deployment
The agreement, reached during a NATO summit in July, involves the deployment of long-range fire capabilities on German soil starting in 2026. This will mark the return of long-range US cruise missiles to Germany for the first time since the late 1990s. The deployment is expected to include SM-6 missiles, Tomahawks, and potentially developmental hypersonic weapons with ranges exceeding those of current European military armaments.
The decision has elicited mixed reactions in Berlin. While some have welcomed the move as a necessary step for bolstering security, others have expressed concerns and called for parliamentary debate. Notably, members of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s own center-left Social Democrats have voiced criticism of the plan.
As Germany prepares for the arrival of these advanced missile systems, the debate continues on the impact of such a significant military deployment and its implications for European security and international relations.
