Russia's invasion of Ukraine lead to a seismic u-turn in Germany, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a huge increase in military spending. What are the implications for Europe? And as other European nations reduce their need for Russian energy, why has Berlin has been reluctant to follow suit?

Annette Dittert, London Bureau Chief for German broadcaster ARD, joins Arthur Snell to discuss what Germany's military u-turn means for Europe, and why Scholz is having difficulty stamping out Russian oil and gas.

We're putting out irregular war bulletins covering different aspects of the Ukraine crisis. You can support our work on the crowdfunding app Patreon: doomsdaywatch.co.uk

Resources to help the Ukrainian people can be found here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

“Germany had thought of itself as a pacifist country, then Scholz announced all of that will change.”
“The German Government is afraid of its own courage.”
“Germany has a massive dependency on Russian oil and gas, something Scholz inherited from the past government.”
“Even after helping Ukraine on many levels, there is still reluctance from Scholz to offer full-throated support.”
“The worry about Russians coming back into Berlin is still there.”
“Germany has to get its act together, it’s crucial for the security of Europe.”
“It’s in the interests of Germany, and every democratic country, to stand up for Ukraine.”

DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production.

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