Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy system during freezing temperatures show that Putin only understands the language of force, so allies must lift “red lines” on weapons for Ukraine and provide it with the necessary air defense systems, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said during a discussion on strengthening the foundations of transatlantic security at the Munich Security Forum.
“Regarding Ukraine, our problem so far is that there are still ‘red lines’ on the weapons it can use to win this war. And you cannot win a war with one hand tied behind your back. So we must give Ukraine the weapons it needs to strike Russia. We’ve been discussing this for several years—and we are still discussing it,” the Danish Prime Minister emphasized.
Frederiksen said that for the past three years she has been asking partners why Ukraine is not being provided with the weapons it needs, including essential air defense systems, but she has not received an answer.
“The only language Russians understand is being as tough as they are. If he (Putin) wanted peace, he wouldn’t be doing what he’s doing now. Imagine: minus 25 degrees—and that’s when they attack the energy system. It’s so crazy that only Russians could do something like this. But this is Russia. And it won’t change,” the head of the Danish government noted.
She expressed regret that Ukraine had not earlier gained NATO membership.
“Because if they were already a NATO member now, if we had been able to make that decision in Vilnius, we would be in a completely different situation today. So we know what to do. But first and foremost, we have to recognize, understand, and internalize: Russia will not change. Russia doesn’t count human losses, and if you look at the newspapers, they are now more concerned about the price of cucumbers,” Frederiksen said.
She also added that the assistance Russia receives from Iran, North Korea, and China will help Moscow continue the war.
