New German Defense Minister Pistorius wants to make Bundeswehr strong quickly Russia considers deployment of T-14 tanks ++ Klitschko asks Switzerland for weapons

The new German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) wants to quickly make the Bundeswehr strong for the deteriorated security situation after Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

“It’s about deterrence, effectiveness and operational capability,” he said on Thursday after being greeted with military honors at the Bendlerblock, the headquarters of the defense ministry in Berlin. “Germany is not a party to the war. Nevertheless, we are affected by this war.”

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented the new minister with the appointment certificate at Bellevue Palace that morning. Shortly afterwards, Pistorius was sworn into the Bundestag. Steinmeier wished him “perseverance, good luck and a lucky hand”. He takes over the ministerial office in a threatening and dangerous situation that Germany has not known for a long time. “Germany is not at war,” the Federal President stressed. However, an era of headwinds is beginning for the country. “We must respond to threats that are also directed at us.”

The Federal President handed over the letter of resignation to the outgoing Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht. He thanked her for everything she had done in 23 years as an MP and for everything she had done as a federal minister in various positions.

Pistorius criticized in the Bendlerblock that the military had often been neglected in recent decades. The troops now need full support, and he in turn needs the support of everyone in the Bundeswehr, the Ministry of Defense and associated authorities for his work. “I need them all. I need everyone’s support. And I will demand it too,” said Pistorius, who warned: “Most of the turning point is still ahead of us.”

According to the Defense Ministry, Pistorius called his French colleague Sébastien Lecornu immediately after being sworn in. “France is our closest ally and oldest friend in the European Union. Paris and Berlin have also worked closely together on security policy for decades,” said Pistorius.

Pistorius then received US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Both pledged further support to Ukraine, which had been attacked by Russia. Pistorius emphasized that the United States was Germany’s main ally. Austin called Germany “one of the US’s most important allies”. He thanked the German government for supporting Ukraine and for quickly strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.

At the same time, the Bundestag discussed a request from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group to supply heavy weapons to Ukraine. “The heavy weapon par excellence are tanks,” emphasized Union deputy parliamentary leader Johann Wadephul (CDU). It is now time for Germany to give the green light to the supply of main battle tanks. “We are being challenged now,” said Wadephul. (aeg/sda/dpa)