„Russia’s unprovoked and senseless invasion of Ukraine shocks me deeply. My thoughts are with the people who are victims of Putin’s aggression. I have drawn my own conclusions and handed in my resignation from Russian Post this week. 

I still believe that postal operators can contribute to the exchange between countries and people. However, Russia’s declaration of war on Ukraine – and thus the entire European peace order – has destroyed any foundation for such exchanges. I believe that it is now up to politics and diplomacy to end the war and the human suffering as soon as possible. My conclusion is that more steadfastness and clearer positions are needed in dealing with Russia. There must be no quick return to normalised relations, as was the case after 2008 (Georgia) and 2014 (annexation of Crimea and the beginning of the conflict in eastern Ukraine). Only the full recognition of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and thus Russia’s compliance with the Budapest Memorandum (1994) should be the premise for normalisation. Until then, it is important to keep tough sanctions against Russia, to support Ukraine in all areas, and to engage in discourse with civil society. 

I look back on almost two years in a German-Russian company and feel gratitude for a cultural, linguistic, and interpersonal enrichment. It was a pleasure to work with great colleagues from different parts of Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, the Baltic States or the Caucasus. I also feel sorry for the many Russians who apologise for or are ashamed of a president they did not elect and, despite speaking the same language, do not understand. 

To the delight of my Russian teacher, my vocabulary has expanded: нет войне – No to war!“