German chancellor gives 'Turning Point' defence speech to museum

A speech given by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is to be displayed in a museum.

Scholz handed the speech, in which he spoke of a "Zeitenwende" (Turning Point) in German defence policy, over to the Haus der Geschichte historical museum, the foundation announced in Bonn on Tuesday.

The pages of text - in a dark cover with a golden German federal eagle - will not be on display in the planned new permanent exhibition until the end of 2025, according to a foundation spokeswoman.

On February 27, 2022, Scholz gave his famous speech in parliament, in which he emphasized that "February 24, 2022, marks a turning point in the history of our continent."

Russian President Vladimir Putin had "cold-bloodedly launched a war of aggression" on that day, the chancellor told lawmakers.

The Society for the German Language had named "Zeitenwende" as the word of the year in 2022.

In response to Russia's attack on Ukraine, Scholz also announced that Germany's defence spending should be massively increased. He said at the time that significantly more would have to be invested in security, which would mean a "major national effort."