In his speech in India, which was reflected in the German press, Schönbach made statements about Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“HE REALLY WANTS RESPECT AT EYE LEVEL”
“What he really wants is respect at eye level,” Schönbach said. used the phrase.
“WE NEED RUSSIA AGAINST CHINA”
Arguing that the biggest threat is China, Schönbach said, “Even we, Germany, India need Russia, because we need Russia against China.” he said.
Explaining that he is a devout Christian and Russia is a Christian country, Schönbach said, “Even though Putin is an atheist, it doesn’t matter. Even though this great country is not democratic, being with us as a bilateral partner can keep Russia away from China.” made its assessment.
“CRIMEAN PENINSULA IS GONE, WON’T COME BACK”
Referring to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Schönbach said, “The Crimean peninsula is gone, it will not come back.” He called it “nonsense” that Russia wanted to seize Ukrainian lands.
In the statement made by the German Ministry of Defense, it was stated that Schönbach’s statements did not comply with the position of the Federal Ministry of Defense in terms of content and word choice, and that the Chief of General Staff Eberhard Zorn would be given the opportunity to make a statement.
He was called to resign from his post
Bild newspaper also urged Schönbach to resign from his post.
In the commentary of the newspaper, pointing to Schönbach’s words about Crimea, it was evaluated that “It is a scandal in itself that the Commander of the Naval Forces said in the video that Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula was ‘gone’ and ‘will never come back’.
“An Apology DOESN’T HELP NOW”
In the comment, which stated that the Navy Commander, who said the aforementioned statements during an official visit, should not stay in this position, “An apology would not help anymore either.” expression was used.
On the other hand, German News Agency (DPA) reported that Anka Feldhusen, the German Ambassador to Kiev, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine because of Schönbach’s remarks.
After the reactions, Schönbach shared on his Twitter account that the statements he made in a think tank in India were his personal thoughts for the moment, and that these in no way fit the position of the German Armed Forces.
Describing this as a mistake, Schönbach said, “I shouldn’t have done it if I had misjudged it without thinking.” made its assessment. (AA)