German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has again warned against a Russian military victory in Ukraine, saying it would serve as a blueprint for autocrats around the world.
“If Russia, if Vladimir Putin wins this war, then that is a blueprint for all the autocrats in this world to say: what do I care about the law, the sovereign rights of other nations?” the Social Democrat politician said in Braunschweig on Wednesday.
Such leaders would think: “There is nobody who will stand up to me and support those who have been attacked,” Pistorius said.
For the German defence minister, the Russian president is the only one who could end the war if he wanted to. “Instead, he is waging a hybrid war against European countries, above all against Germany,” Pistorius said.
Germany was in the crosshairs because it was supporting Ukraine, he said.
That support was not only about the freedom and sovereignty of Ukraine, Pistorius said, describing it as a matter of averting danger. “Vladimir Putin will not stop if he were to take Ukraine. He says this again and again,” the defence minister warned.
Pistorius’ comments came the day after Germany imposed sanctions on Russia following a failed attack by a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig airport. Russia denies any involvement in that incident.
Hybrid warfare refers to a combination of military, economic, intelligence and propaganda means, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion, for example ahead of elections.