German President- Ukraine war is war against European Union

"Are we prepared to accept sensitive disadvantages?"

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Fear of Europe breaking apart: The Federal President urges solidarity with Ukraine, which is under attack from warmonger Putin.  The Head of State fears a return to isolationism - and warns of division.

Federal President Steinmeier: "This is about the common ground of our values and our peaceful order in a double sense".

In view of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for a united European stance.  The war that Russian President, Vladimir Putin is waging against Ukraine is also "a war against the unity of Europe", Steinmeier said on Sunday at the so-called Libori Meal in Paderborn, according to the text of his speech.  "We must not let ourselves be divided, we must not let the great work of a united Europe (...) be destroyed."

This was "not just about the territory of Ukraine", Steinmeier said.  "It is about the common ground, in a double sense, of our values and our peaceful order." But defending these values and standing up for them also means being prepared to "accept sensitive disadvantages", the Federal President stressed.  "Are we ready for that?  This is the question we all face - today and in the days, weeks and months ahead."

Steinmeier took part in the 500th Libori Meal in Paderborn. It is named after the patron saint of the North Rhine-Westphalian city, St Liborius. The meal is organised by the Libori Guild of Paderborn citizens, each of whom is chaired by a merchant or entrepreneur.