German President: Putin Wages War Against European Unity

Europeans must once again realize what defines them and what unites them.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is waging war "against the unity of Europe". He said this during his speech at Paderborn town hall, Tagesschau quoted the politician as saying.

He said echoes of Russia's war against Ukraine can be felt in the European Union, but it is necessary to come to terms with the negative consequences of the full-scale Russian invasion and protect European values.

"The war Putin is waging against Ukraine is also a war against the unity of Europe. We must not let ourselves be divided, we must continue the great work of creating a united Europe, which we started so promisingly, do not let it be destroyed," Steinmeier said.

He noted that Europeans "must again realize what defines them and what unites them in a just and human coexistence" and called on citizens to be ready to tolerate disadvantages.