February 14, 2026
Strack-Zimmermann warns against European hesitancy. Many states are underestimating the potential consequences of war. A refugee crisis of historic proportions is looming.
Kyiv/Brussels – Together with four other members of the EU Defence Committee, Committee Chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann ( FDP ) recently traveled to Kyiv for two days. In an interview with the Frankfurter Rundschau , published by Ippen.Media, she reports on “unimaginable” suffering and explains how the EU and national governments should help Ukraine.
What impressions did you take with you when you left Ukraine?
I am deeply shaken by the situation in Ukraine. We were in Kyiv and witnessed Russian aggression and the enormous destruction of the energy infrastructure. What Ukrainians need is ubiquitous. In Kyiv alone, more than a million people are living without electricity, water, and heating.
Strack-Zimmermann does not believe in the success of Putin’s strategy in Ukraine.
Did you notice the people’s situation?
Yes, of course, even though they’re trying to make the best of the catastrophic situation. Incidentally, the people there don’t want to hear how brave, courageous, and resilient we think they are; they want more support. The attacks on the infrastructure are Putin’s perfidious attempt to break Ukrainian morale because he hasn’t achieved any significant military successes after four years.
Do you think Putin will succeed with his strategy of demoralizing the Ukrainian population and breaking the fighting spirit of the Ukrainians?
I don’t think so. But that doesn’t change the fact that the situation is dramatic, and we all need to support Ukraine even more.
In which areas does Ukraine currently need help most urgently?
Ukraine urgently needs more air defense. The army has too little ammunition, and it is truly a disgrace that the German government is still unwilling to supply the Taurus cruise missile . The people of Ukraine are desperately pleading for it so they can precisely destroy Russian bases from which hundreds of missiles and drones are launched daily. The Russian brutality that the people of Ukraine are subjected to in this bitterly cold winter is simply unimaginable.
Strack-Zimmermann criticizes Merz over Taurus
Do you have any hope that Germany will still deliver the Taurus?
I am stunned that Friedrich Merz, as leader of the opposition, promised the delivery for three years, only to reject it the day after his election as Chancellor. No one has yet been able to explain his reasoning to me. Of course, the Taurus is not a game-changer, but this guided missile, capable of destroying command centers and protected infrastructure, would be enormously effective. Other countries that possess it, such as Spain, South Korea, and soon Sweden, could certainly envision making their Taurus available to the Ukrainian army, but this would require approval from Germany. And Germany is just one prime example of insufficient support.
Which other countries are you thinking of?
Germany is Ukraine’s biggest supporter in the EU, but it is often far too hesitant. Let’s look at France, for example. French President Emmanuel Macron frequently gives headline-grabbing speeches and powerful interviews, but this does nothing to help Ukraine.
Why are so many countries not providing sufficient aid to Ukraine, even after almost four years of war?
Because too many governments still refuse to grasp the scale of the war and, consequently, the seriousness of their own security situation – often for domestic political reasons. Perhaps this realization will help: According to United Nations estimates, approximately seven million Ukrainians have fled abroad so far. Around 38 million people still live there. If we don’t significantly improve their protection from Putin’s brutal attacks , we will face a refugee crisis unlike anything seen in Europe since the end of World War II. Unfortunately, this lack of willingness to provide support is also related to the geographical location of individual EU member states . Too many apparently still believe that Ukraine is far enough away and that a Russian victory won’t affect them.
How the EU could provide more support to Ukraine
How should the EU provide more support to Ukraine?
With technical equipment such as generators and technical assistance to rebuild the destroyed infrastructure. Commissioner Marta Kos has just announced this support from the EU. And of course, the member states must also increase their efforts. A genocide is taking place in Ukraine, as people are deprived of protection from the cold and shelter. Ukraine is being dramatically reminded that it has already experienced something similar in its history, when Joseph Stalin starved the country in 1932/33, resulting in the deaths of millions.
Did you experience cold weather yourself during your trip?
It was bitterly cold. We were prepared for that. Unlike the local people who have to endure every day in their freezing cold apartments without electricity or water, we knew we would soon be able to go home.
Do you believe that the current talks between Russia and Ukraine will lead to a ceasefire and a just peace?
I don’t believe it. Putin doesn’t want peace ; he’s pursuing his goal of conquering all of Ukraine and is therefore resorting to cruel methods. Let’s not kid ourselves. He also wants to divide Europe to diminish our influence and is pleased that the US president isn’t stopping him—on the contrary, Trump has even rolled out the red carpet for him. At least the talks have made it possible for prisoners to be exchanged.
Strack-Zimmermann calls for new sanctions against Putin’s Russia
Should EU leaders – as Emmanuel Macron recently demanded – begin direct talks with Putin?
Does Mr. Macron really believe he can stop Putin’s killings through talks? The only way to confront Putin is with maximum force: further sanctions that will economically ruin Russia, and military strength. And this should ideally be done jointly in Europe. Only then will Putin respond.
What are your expectations for the Munich Security Conference? Could new aid for Ukraine be decided there?
Nothing will be decided there. The meeting offers an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, military personnel, representatives of organizations, think tanks, and the business community to come together and discuss security and foreign policy issues. Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the completely altered world order in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific will dominate the conference, especially the role of the United States in light of the unpredictable policies of the White House. ( Interview: Jan-Frederik Wendt )
Even this woman has more balls than Merz. Merz has a big mouth, and that’s about it. The saddest part about all of this is the fact that a number of other European leaders are even worse than Merz. Some even think that if Ukraine should lose this war, it has no effect on them.
Europe is in deep trouble with such leaders, and so many still don’t even know it.
I had not thought of this: The 38 million refugees impacting their current social/economic infrastructure should be enough to lite a fire under the UK ass, but apparently not.