King Charles III: Ukraine war threatens European security. His comments came during an historic address to the German Bundestag
ADVERTISEMENTKing Charles III told the German Bundestag on Thursday that the Russian invasion of Ukraine "threatens the security of Europe".
Speaking to Germany's lower house, the United Kingdom's new king spoke of London and Berlin's significant contribution in helping Ukraine fend off Russia's assault.
“Germany’s decision to provide so much military support to Ukraine is extremely brave, important and welcome,” Charles said.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion over a year ago, both the UK and Germany have responded and made decisions that would have been unimaginable before, Charles said. He also spoke about the unimaginable suffering endured by civilians.
“Countless lives have been destroyed, freedom and people have been brutally trampled on. The security of Europe is threatened, as are our democratic values.”
Historic ties
He stressed the strong ties between Britain and Germany. Charles weaved historic links to current bonds into his discourse – from his own family's links to the royal House of Hannover to the present-day's economic, scientific and cultural and military cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking mostly in fluent German, Charles noted how the intertwined history of the two nations could be seen in the home of the Bundestag itself. The restoration in the 1990s of the former Reichstag building, which was heavily damaged during World War II, was capped with a glass cupola designed by British architect Norman Foster and intended as a symbol of transparency and accountability.
“From here the citizens can actually watch their politicians work,” Charles said. “Democracy in action.”
Kindertransport memorial visit
Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, will visit Hamburg on Friday to pay their respects at a memorial to the Kindertransporte, or children transport, which helped rescue more than 10,000 Jewish children from Nazi Germany 85 years ago. They will also commemorate those killed in the Allied bombing of Hamburg in 1943.
Charles' first international visit was originally meant to be to France. However, the trip was postponed for security reasons related to ongoing anti-government protests around the country.