German president visits WWII UK bombing site amid unity against Russia

"Steinmeier's visit on Friday commemorates the deadly Nazi bombing of Coventry on the night of November 14, 1940, which destroyed the 14th-century Gothic cathedral, leaving more than 500 people dead and a roofless ruin that stands as a reminder of the ravages of war. The UK was represented at the event by the Duke of Kent, who has long fostered British-German reconciliation following the war."

"During a lavish banquet on Wednesday night at Windsor Castle, Steinmeier and King Charles III put on a show of Anglo-Saxon unity, exchanging toasts that celebrated the cultural and historic ties between their nations and highlighting efforts to build a common front against Russian aggression in Ukraine. In his toast, Steinmeier described Coventry as a symbol of the bonds that grew out of the war that ended 80 years ago."

"Flourishing cities grew out of the ashes. Enemies became friends, he said. That is our common history and it shows what is possible when people have the courage to pursue reconciliation. The state visit comes as European nations bond together to support Ukraine and confront Russian efforts to destabilise Western democracies through so-called hybrid attacks such as election interference, disinformation and sabotage."

Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Coventry Cathedral to symbolically atone for Third Reich atrocities and to commemorate the November 14, 1940 Nazi bombing that destroyed the 14th-century Gothic cathedral and killed more than 500 people. The UK was represented at the event by the Duke of Kent, reflecting long-standing British-German reconciliation. The trip concluded a three-day state visit, the first by a German head of state in 27 years, featuring a lavish banquet at Windsor Castle where Steinmeier and King Charles III exchanged toasts emphasizing cultural ties and unity. The visit occurred amid heightened European support for Ukraine and efforts to counter Russian aggression and hybrid threats, prompting increased military spending and cooperation.

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