NATO general dismissed following controversial rape remark – Spiegel
NATO’s deputy commander for Ukraine support has been dismissed due to an inappropriate remark related to rape made during a high-level meeting, as reported by Der Spiegel on Tuesday. Major General Hartmut Renk made the comment, “If rape is...
TroibNews 
NATO’s deputy commander for Ukraine support has been dismissed due to an inappropriate remark related to rape made during a high-level meeting, as reported by Der Spiegel on Tuesday.
Major General Hartmut Renk made the comment, “If rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy,” at a gathering in February.
Following a formal complaint from a female British officer, Renk admitted to the comment but claimed it was meant sarcastically to motivate his team, according to the outlet.
An investigation overseen by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and General Carsten Breuer, the head of the German armed forces, resulted in Renk being removed from his NATO position, his planned promotion to a role in the US being canceled, and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings.
The two-star general is now reportedly facing early retirement.
NATO has publicly committed to combating conflict-related sexual violence and established a zero-tolerance policy in 2020, with each member responsible for investigating misconduct and taking action against its personnel.
Despite this policy, reports of sexual misconduct, including incidents involving senior officers, within NATO ranks have been widespread. A 2024 NATO Review emphasized ongoing sexual harassment issues and called for cultural reform within military institutions.
Renk’s dismissal occurs as new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to revamp the country’s armed forces, restore credibility, and significantly boost military spending under the campaign slogan, “Germany is back.”
The former senior commander began his military career in 1982 and served in both Kosovo and Afghanistan. He most recently contributed to providing weapons and training for Kiev through NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine program.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
Major General Hartmut Renk made the comment, “If rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy,” at a gathering in February.
Following a formal complaint from a female British officer, Renk admitted to the comment but claimed it was meant sarcastically to motivate his team, according to the outlet.
An investigation overseen by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and General Carsten Breuer, the head of the German armed forces, resulted in Renk being removed from his NATO position, his planned promotion to a role in the US being canceled, and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings.
The two-star general is now reportedly facing early retirement.
NATO has publicly committed to combating conflict-related sexual violence and established a zero-tolerance policy in 2020, with each member responsible for investigating misconduct and taking action against its personnel.
Despite this policy, reports of sexual misconduct, including incidents involving senior officers, within NATO ranks have been widespread. A 2024 NATO Review emphasized ongoing sexual harassment issues and called for cultural reform within military institutions.
Renk’s dismissal occurs as new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to revamp the country’s armed forces, restore credibility, and significantly boost military spending under the campaign slogan, “Germany is back.”
The former senior commander began his military career in 1982 and served in both Kosovo and Afghanistan. He most recently contributed to providing weapons and training for Kiev through NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine program.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
