Scholz for Ukraine: No direct NATO confrontation with Russia

In an interview with Germany’s second public channel ZDF with journalist Maybrit Illner, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a ceasefire in the Ukraine war and stressed that “there should be no direct NATO confrontation with Russia.” This could “bring a dramatic escalation of this difficult situation in Ukraine while also carrying great risks,” Scholz said. “So now there will be no decisions that could lead to the military involvement of NATO countries in this conflict.”

Scholz rejected the idea of ​​a “Regime Change” in the Kremlin – the overthrow of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Regime Change is not a good prospect,” the chancellor said in an interview with ZDF on Maybrit Illner. Democracy cannot be exported from abroad to a country.

“Do not leave Ukraine alone”

Scholz defended the German government’s decision to supply artillery as well as surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. “Those who are attacked as innocent should not be left alone,” he said. Germany has “consistently followed for many years” its policy of not supplying weapons to war zones and this policy will continue to be pursued. “But after the attack on Ukraine, it would be a mistake to continue this policy in this situation,” said the head of the German government.

At the same time, Germany continues to adhere to the use of diplomatic channels to end the conflict. “We need a situation in which negotiations can take place and eventually Russian troops can withdraw again – as unrealistic as it may seem now,” Scholz said.

Scholz curbs the desire for EU membership

Referring to the wish of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, for EU membership, the Chancellor said that the decisions on the membership of the Western Balkan countries are initially on the agenda. It should be very clear, what conditions a country must meet before accession.

Scholz argued the decision not to include gas and oil imports in the sanctions list, referring to energy prices that had risen sharply in Germany since the Russian invasion. At the same time, according to him, care should be taken to limit dependencies in this regard as soon as possible./DW/