"We are under attack, we are being assaulted. And after February 24, 2022, it should have become clear that this is not only about us, the Ukrainians, but also about us, the Europeans. However, it seems to me that in the German electoral debates, the war itself is treated as a somewhat secondary topic. There is slightly more discussion about peace," wrote Makeev.
According to his observations, "both topics in the electoral race have been sidelined – as if Russian missiles are not landing daily in places that could previously be reached from Germany in just two hours by plane."
"It seems that the study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, which directly states that a defeat for Ukraine could cost Germany ten times more than supporting Ukraine, doesn't seem to matter. And it appears that this lose-lose scenario would have no impact on the pension or tax systems that are so often discussed [before elections]," noted the diplomat.
He expressed surprise that in Germany discussions about migration occur without mentioning the "millions migrating from Ukraine to Germany" due to the war in Ukraine.
"How can one discuss additional expenses for military aid to Ukraine without considering the €210 billion – frozen EU funds from the Russian regime? And how can one talk about the rule of law without prioritizing the accountability of Russian war criminals? What kind of better future are you preparing for your children if you forget about the Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia?" – asks Makeev.
According to him, in their electoral programs, "democratic parties mention the aggressive Russian war almost in passing."
Makeev also referred to the "far-right enemies of German democracy," who "will not be perceived by voters as a threat to German security," and "war supporters masquerading as a peace movement."
"These pseudo-pacifists, who are willing to sacrifice Ukrainian territories, are sacrificing me personally, my family, my friends in Ukraine. And they will similarly sacrifice their own voters. If you fear losing voters due to honest dialogue about the war, then you should not engage in political activity during wartime. Intimidating voters for their votes is an absolute taboo. Because after February 23, the day of the German elections, there will again be February 24, and Russia will continue its war against Europe. Nothing motivates [illegitimate President of Russia Vladimir] Putin to wage this war more than German fear, self-restraint, and self-deprecation," the diplomat believes.
In his opinion, Putin wants Germans to think that "this war is a war of the USA against the Russian Federation, that Europe does not matter, and that Ukraine has no agency."
"All of this is a lie. Ukrainian defense forces are still in the Kursk region. Putin did not use nuclear weapons when Germany provided Ukraine with Leopard tanks and Marder infantry fighting vehicles. He will not do so in the future either, as this Russian roulette is 100% suicidal for him," emphasized Makeev.
He urged every democratic candidate in Germany to deliver a "clear message" that the war against Europe continues, as "Russia has chosen war." Germany should not be afraid and must accept the challenge "together and boldly," supporting Ukraine, because its potential victory is a common interest.
Commenting on the appearance of his column, Makeev emphasized that this is not propaganda, but "a Ukrainian epigraph to the active phase of the German electoral race."
"After all, our freedom is indivisible. Our democracy is one, because we have one enemy," wrote the Ukrainian diplomat.