NATO assurance for Greenland from German Defense Minister Pistorius

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas held a joint press conference following their meeting in the German capital, Berlin. German Defense Minister Pistorius addressed the issues discussed during the meeting. The German Defense Minister emphasized that the security of the region is a priority.Pistorius stated that during their meeting with Kallas, theydiscussedthe US threats toward Greenland, Europe'sdefense policies, recent developments regarding Iran, and effortsaimedat ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Pistorius noted that they also addressed the financial, humanitarian, and potential post-ceasefire support to be provided to Ukraine.discussed security guaranteesstating that, "Russia continues its air attacks on Ukraine andUkraine's energy supplyis in the worstcondition it hasever been in.In the middle of a cold winter,Russian President Vladimir Putin is deliberately targeting energy infrastructure and terrorizing the Ukrainian civilian population.is prioritizing. All of this is happening whilenegotiations are ongoing regarding what might or might not happen after a ceasefire. While we continue the negotiations, Putin continues his bombardment," he said.

Pistorius stated that for Ukraine to be able to defend itself,it needs support from its backers thisyearfor 60 billion dollarsemphasizing the need foraid, he said,"However, every euro spent here musttruly provide maximumbenefit, and thereforemust be used efficiently and effectively.Establishing closer cooperation between Ukraine and Europe is extremely important."

Pistorius stated, "A ceasefire will not be realized, and there is only one reason for this. Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want peace. Nevertheless, we are preparing for the day when a ceasefire can truly be realized. We are preparing. WWe are examiningpotential contributionsto ensure such aceasefire. Our goal isto be able to offer areliable and lasting guarantee," he said.

"Greenland belongs to Denmark, and Denmark is a NATO partis."

Following the threats from the US, the focus has turned toGreenland and the Arctic region.Pistorius stated,"Greenland is very important.Greenland belongs to Denmark,and Denmark is a NATO partner.is. Those who view it from this frameworksee very clearly that Greenland falls within NATO's area of responsibility and therefore must be protected" he stated.Pistorius added, "It isNATO's duty to protect this region; it is the joint responsibility of NATO alliesand in this regard, we will have further discussions with our allies within NATO in the coming weeks and months."will be held," he said.

Regarding the debates on Europestationing troops in Greenland,Pistorius stated, "We are currently discussing and investigating with some NATO partners what measures are logicaland what is necessary. We cannot protect this place comprehensively just by having soldiers present. The issue issurveillance. The issue is patrols. The issue is, under the water,in the water, to see what is happeningabove and in the air.The issue is reconnaissance andregularly conducting exercises on-siteto show that we are there.Therefore, theprotection of Greenlandand the Arctic regionensuring the security of the regionis a matter that is primarily or not solelyin America's interest, but also in the interest of NATO and Europe. Germany will play a role in this. What that rolewill look like will be decided in close cooperationwith Denmark,he stated." Pistorius, GrHe added that the establishment ofunmanned aerialvehiclesystems in Greenland could be supported,to his remarks.

"Destruction and death are Russia'sis the response to diplomacy"

EU High Representative Kallas noted that they held detailed discussions with Pistorius regarding the Russia-Ukraine War, developments in Iran, and Greenland. Kallas stated that Germany's role in Europe's defense is crucial.drawing attention to the spendingmade by it, stating, "You are forminga strongbackbonefor NATO's presence in Lithuania. In the air, German jets are protecting European skies. At sea, your navy is securing vital sea lanes and critical underwater infrastructure.Germany is alsoproviding the largestproviding major military supportcountry," he said. Kallas, regarding the Russia-Ukraine War

emphasizing efforts to end it,said, "For peacewe are workinghardto achieve."intense diplomatic effort is underway. However, these efforts remain entirely unilateral.Every dayRussian bombsplunge Ukrainian cities into darkness. Destruction and death are Russia'sanswer to diplomacy. The painful truthis the fact is that unless we apply more pressureon Russia to stop this,this warcould continue for a longtime," he said.Europe's

role in supporting Ukraine and increasing the costs of the war for Russiais critical.policies directed atare consistent, Kallas stated, "To Ukraine over the next two years, we will provide 90 billion euros in loans. Furthermore, we aim to finalize the new sanctions package next month.Russian President Vladimir Putin will only take negotiations seriously if we force him totake them seriously," she assessed.

Stating that they also discussed European defense with Pistorius, Kallas said, "We know that Russia's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine.We know this. To keep our countries and our peoplesafe,Europe needs to further improve its defense readiness. Increasing European defense readiness makes Europe stronger withinNATO.It makes it stronger.is about taking responsibility," he said.

"The US is anindispensable ally for Europe, but we are not as we once were."Kallas, who also emphasized the situation in light of recent developments between the US and Europe, stated, "The US is an

indispensable ally, but the relationshipis evolving."Kallas continued by noting that European nations must take more initiative in their own defense.This shift in perspective reflects the changing geopolitical landscape.It is also clear that our relations are not as good as they used to be.Thereare moments of open disagreement in every alliance, but Europe will notthrowaway its 80-year transatlantic relationship. From Gaza to the fight against ISIS, and the pressure from China,we have many commoninterests.from economic practices, we are stronger when Europe and the US act together," he said.

"We are holding discussions regarding additional sanctions on Iran."

Regarding the protests in Iran, Kallas stated, "The courage of the Iranian people is admirable. The regime's history of brutally suppressing protests isis there and no one knows what the coming days willbring. Theharsh and ruthless response of the security forcesis unacceptable and reveals a regime that fears its own people. The EU already has comprehensive sanctions against Iran. Sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations, theproliferation of nuclear weaponsand Tehran's support for Russia's war arebeing implementedWe are holding discussions regarding the implementation of sanctions and additional sanctionsandconsultations," he stated.

"Perhaps it will be like the Ba'ath regime in Syria and they willunexpectedly collapse"ina sudden manner."

Kallas, in the context of events in Iran, pointed out that it is unknown whatthe coming days will bring, stating, "Perhaps it will be like the Ba'ath regime in Syria and they will fall in asurprisingway. However, suchregimes are usually very resilient. So, what will happenwe do not know, but what we are doing is supporting society. Furthermore, we are imposing more sanctions against those who use violenceagainstprotesters. Ultimately, the Iranian people willhave their say," he said.

"The issue of Greenland is an unprecedented situationin NATO history."

"I can say that we should not discuss the issue of Greenland in the media with US President Trump," Kallas stated, adding, "We know what tools we have and what options are availablewe are discussing. With Denmark and member countries, we are discussing the situation, but we are notdisclosing it to the public. At the very least, we cansay that this is something that has never been seenbefore in the history of NATO or the defense alliance.is a situation. We are preparing for possible scenarios. We are discussingdifferent options,but as I said, this is being done behind closed doors," he said.

News Source: İHA