German Ambassador: Ukraine Is Vital to Europe's Defence, With Its Security Role Tied to NATO

Germany's ambassador to Ukraine, Boris Ruge, has said in an interview that Ukraine is already contributing to the joint defence of Europe. He expressed his conviction that a European security system including Ukraine will revolve around NATO, the military alliance responsible for collective defence. His remarks were reported by European Pravda.

Ukraine is not only a recipient of aid

Ruge recalled that NATO leaders agreed at the Washington summit that Ukraine's future lies in the Alliance. When that happens, he said, is a political question. From Germany's perspective, however, the difference today is that Ukraine is not merely a recipient of assistance but also a significant element of Europe's defence. Europe needs Ukraine's armed forces and their expertise in modern warfare.

NATO's role and US priorities

Asked how he sees Europe's security structure, Ruge replied that in his view it revolves around NATO. He noted that he is a former NATO official, so this may seem logical, but NATO is the body in charge of collective defence.

The ambassador acknowledged that the US role in NATO is changing, including its priorities for deploying American troops. Europeans will therefore have to take on a greater role. He stressed that Ukraine is already very close to NATO: the NATO-Ukraine Council operates, many activities are carried out jointly, and a joint analysis, training and education centre is based in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Europe is learning from Ukraine in the area of unmanned systems.

Ruge added that he does not know exactly when Ukraine will become a full NATO member. Germany wants Ukraine to be as close to NATO as possible, he said, because in reality Ukraine is already part of the collective defence.

Earlier statements

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has expressed the view that admitting Ukraine to NATO could stop the spiral of war that began in 2008 with Russia's attack on Georgia. Ukraine's Ambassador to NATO, Aliona Hetmanchuk, said in early July that Ukraine's goal of joining the Alliance remains unchanged and that a growing number of countries understand that Ukrainian membership would benefit NATO itself.