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A high-ranking NATO official in charge of aiding Ukraine was reportedly relieved of his duties after saying, “If rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy” during a meeting.
According to Der Spiegel, NATO’s deputy commander for Ukraine support was dismissed following a remark about rape he made at a high-level meeting.
Major General Hartmut Renk allegedly stated at a February gathering, “If rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy.”
Renk reportedly admitted to making the comment after a formal complaint was filed by a female British officer, but claimed he used it sarcastically to motivate his team, the outlet reports.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and General Carsten Breuer, the head of the German armed forces, launched an investigation. Subsequently, the minister removed Renk from his NATO position, rescinded his planned promotion to a role in the US, and initiated disciplinary actions.
The two-star general is now said to be facing early retirement.
NATO has publicly pledged to fight sexual violence related to conflict and implemented a zero-tolerance policy in 2020. Each member of the alliance is responsible for investigating misconduct and taking disciplinary or legal action against their own personnel.
Despite this policy, numerous reports have surfaced regarding sexual misconduct within NATO, including incidents involving senior officers. A 2024 NATO Review underscored ongoing sexual harassment and called for a cultural shift within military institutions.
Renk’s dismissal occurs as new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to overhaul the country’s armed forces, restore trust, and significantly increase military spending under the slogan, “Germany is back.”
The former senior commander’s military career began in 1982, and he was deployed to both Kosovo and Afghanistan. Most recently, he was involved in providing weapons and training to Kiev through NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) program.
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