Two weeks ago, a Ukrainian friend sent me a satirical commentary interpreting the term “Scholz”, which means having good intentions but finding every possible excuse not to carry them out, as German Chancellor Scholz did with German tanks. I thought the comment was appropriate and posted it on my Twitter account.

Six days later I heard the German chancellor answer a question on TV about “Solcism” by attributing the term to a “British historian.” I opened Twitter and found that my post had been read 1.1 million times. The German and international press thought I coined the term. Despite my explanations, the Internet now believes that the verb “lick” was my idea.

A columnist for a major German newspaper wrote that “our English-speaking friends could do well to create verbs for Biden, Trump, Truss and Johnson, not to mention Harry and Meghan”, rather inelegantly inviting Anglo-Saxons to look at their work.

The answer of Soltz was also interesting, who said that “Solcism is doing everything possible to help Ukraine.” It is true that German support for Kyiv was significant, as one would expect from Europe’s largest economy, which has such close ties to Eastern Europe. However, Scholz’s statement that Germany is doing its best is a clear inaccuracy.

The United States helped Ukraine the most. Despite the heroism of the Ukrainian armed forces, it was the speed and scale of American assistance that prevented Russia from reaching the Polish border. All Europeans need to seriously consider why we continue to depend on Washington to protect our European land, freedom and security.

At the same time, a tragedy is unfolding before our eyes. What we declared in 1945, saying that it would never happen again, is happening today in Europe. A European country is experiencing a terrorist war with clear signs of genocide.

A new Russian attack appears to be in the making. Other people will be killed, maimed and orphaned. More than 14 million Ukrainians have fled their homes. I recently attended the funeral of a young Ukrainian soldier and spoke to his wounded comrades before hearing the stories of refugees from Mariupol. Time is of the essence for Ukraine, and any delay plays into Putin’s hands.

During the war

Soltism, as a cautious, tactical approach to government, is ideal for a period of peace and economic prosperity. But this gives the enemy an advantage in wartime (to be fair, there are many Solstices in the Biden administration, as well as in many European capitals). The initiative to promote Leopard should have been implemented six months ago. Germany was not going to be alone, having on its side almost all the states of Europe. This would be an opportunity to demonstrate “European national sovereignty” and salute Germany’s determination.

No one knows what will happen on the battlefields in 2023. The reluctance of the German chancellor could have serious consequences. One would be a military stalemate with trench warfare reminiscent of World War I. When the guns finally fall silent, Russia could be in control of most of the Ukrainian territory it seized after the February invasion.

In Russia, Putin will be able to claim to have realized at least some of Catherine the Great’s expansionist ambitions while ensuring the survival of his tyranny. His example will encourage Xi Jinping to try his luck with Taiwan, burying the legitimate international order.

It’s a real bet, and that’s why “solcism” is no laughing matter. I passionately believe that Germany should lead – not be left behind – a cooperative Euro-Atlantic effort to end the longest war in Europe since 1945. This is the only way to guarantee a lasting peace. If the term “Soltzism” really means that Germany is doing everything possible – acting quickly and decisively – I will be the first to praise “Soltzism”.

* Mr. Timothy Garton Ash is a columnist and professor of European studies at the University of Oxford.