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German lawmaker Johannes Volkmann calls Ukraine aid a necessary security investment
The CDU parliamentarian and grandson of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl rejected cooperation with the AfD and urged continued European backing for Ukraine.
The short version
- German lawmaker Johannes Volkmann argued that financial and military aid to Ukraine is a crucial investment in European security rather than charity.
- Volkmann warned that Russian imperialism directly threatens Poland and the Baltic states, asserting that Ukraine now acts as a provider of security.
- The CDU parliamentarian ruled out any cooperation with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party due to its opposition to supporting Ukraine.
Key facts
- Johannes Volkmann is a 29-year-old member of the German Bundestag's Committee on Foreign Affairs and the grandson of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl.[Deutsche Welle]
- Volkmann stated that Germany remains the largest bilateral donor to Ukraine in Europe.[Deutsche Welle]
- Volkmann confirmed that the CDU/CSU parliamentary group has ruled out any political cooperation with the AfD, citing the latter's opposition to aiding Ukraine.[Deutsche Welle]
- Volkmann characterized past German diplomatic assumptions—specifically that trade and neutrality would deter Russian violence—as a major policy error.[Deutsche Welle]
- Volkmann expressed personal concern regarding corruption scandals in Ukraine, noting that thorough investigations and proper use of European funds are critical.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- It is uncertain how the outcomes of ongoing corruption investigations in Ukraine will impact long-term international funding and diplomatic support.[Deutsche Welle]
Sources
- CDU's Volkmann: Ukraine aid is not charityDeutsche Welle