28 February 2023, Arirang Radio KOREA NOW, “Germany has announced to send 18 Leopard-2 tanks to Ukraine.”
Host>
Global Now, We’re heading to Germany today. We have our Frankfurt correspondent, 최경헌 connected on Zoom with us. Hello?(인사)
Hello, it's great to be here with you today from Frankfurt, Germany.
Q1>It’s been more than a year since Russia invaded Ukraine. Germany’s stance in terms of defense in Europe seems to be changing. On that note, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference. What did he say?
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-germany-government-olaf-scholz-44dca48439255f9bc0722c6cd7d157bf
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference, urging European countries to increase their defense spending and work together to counter global threats. He stressed the importance of NATO and the need for stronger defense posture against security threats from Russia and China.
In his speech, Scholz called for greater cooperation between Europe and the United States, particularly on issues related to cybersecurity and emerging technologies. He also criticized Russia's aggressive actions towards Ukraine and called for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict. The German Chancellor emphasized that security threats require a proactive(선제적인) and assertive role in European security, indicating a shift in Germany's defense stance.
Furthermore, Scholz pledged to get Germany's defense spending up to 2% of GDP "permanently," which has been welcomed by other European nations as a step towards greater European military integration. This call for increased defense spending could have far-reaching implications for the future of European security.
Q2>About a year ago when the war started (Feb 27, 2022 to be exact), Chancellor Olaf Scholz has declared the beginning of a “new era”. What was the response of the political arena and the people of Germany to that speech?
https://www.thelocal.de/20230221/how-the-war-in-ukraine-has-changed-germany
The German Chancellor's call for a "new era" in defense policy has caused a *stir(*떠오르게 하다) in Germany, with some welcoming the country's more active role in promoting security and stability in Europe, while others express concerns about greater military involvement in conflicts abroad. The ongoing tension with Russia has intensified the sense of urgency in Germany, forcing the country to re-examine its policies and responses. Germany's response will be closely monitored both at home and abroad.
The shift in defense policy highlights the challenges facing Germany and other European nations in the face of global threats. While some may be apprehensive(걱정스러운) about Germany's new stance, it is clear that the country is taking steps to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape. As a result, it remains to be seen how Germany's new defense policy will play out and what its impact will be on Europe and the world.
Q3> Up until recently, Germany’s defense policies were quite restrictive due to its regret for starting a war in the past. Is there really a difference in the size of Germany’s military budget before and after the war?
http://www.obsnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1387198
The country plans to spend over 50 billion€ on defense in 2023, a significant increase from its previous defense budget. Germany's decision to increase its defense spending marks a significant departure from its historically cautious defense policies. The move is seen as a recognition of the changing geopolitical landscape and the need for a more proactive(선제적인) approach to defense. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made this clear in his speech at the Munich Security Conference, where he emphasized the need for greater cooperation between Europe and the United States and for increased investment in defense.
Scholz's pledge to get Germany's defense spending up to 2% of GDP "permanently" has sparked a debate(논쟁) in Germany. While some support the country's more active role in ensuring security and stability in Europe, others express concerns that it could lead to greater military involvement in conflicts overseas.
Q4>How much has Germany supplied weapons and other necessary supplies to Ukraine so far?
Germany has announced that it will be stepping up its military aid to Ukraine. The country will be providing additional weapons, equipment, and supplies to help the Ukrainian military in their fight against Russian-backed separatists(새퍼러티스트)(분리주의자).
The list of items that Germany will be supplying is extensive, including bridge-laying tanks, first aid kits, trucks, reconnaissance(정찰) drones, laser target designators(지정기), mine resistant ambush-protected vehicle*(*지뢰 방호 차량), field glasses, ***ammunition(애뮤니션)(*탄약), explosive charges, detonators(발화장치), hand grenades, anti-tank mines, a field hospital, and night vision goggles.