Chancellor Scholz in the daily topics: “Putin does not get through with plans”

Moscow failed due to the resistance of the Ukrainians and the great support from their allies, said Chancellor Scholz in the daily topics. Germany will get through the winter, despite the lack of gas supplies from Russia.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke in an interview with the daily topics commented on the Ukraine war and the energy crisis. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent actions show that his plans are not going through.

“He did not succeed in what he imagined for Ukraine. He failed because of the resistance of the Ukrainians, but also because of the very extensive military and financial support for Ukraine from friends and allies, especially Germany,” said Scholz, who was connected from New York by the UN General Assembly.

According to Scholz, Germany provided comprehensive support while ensuring that there was no escalation between Russia and NATO. The “dangerous situation” was always in view, and close talks were held with friends and allies, the G7 and the EU, in order to coordinate a common approach.

Scholz added that the sham referendums that Moscow now wants to hold in the occupied territories will not be recognised. Russia is trying “in the style of classic imperialism” to appropriate a part of its neighbor. “That won’t work,” said Scholz.

No going it alone when it comes to supplying main battle tanks

Scholz also spoke out again against going it alone in the case of possible deliveries of battle tanks to Ukraine. Germany has supported Ukraine with a large number of weapons and has taken the initiative in exchanging rings, which helps very concretely. “It remains the case that we don’t go it alone.” The current situation shows: “This is the path you should take – and no other.”

Scholz was very optimistic that Germany would get through the winter despite the lack of Russian gas supplies. The government did “everything that was necessary”. These included new LNG terminals in Northern Germany, more gas imports via Western European ports and the continued operation of coal and nuclear power plants. “We managed to prepare Germany for the winter,” said Scholz.

“Joint action” on gas surcharge

Regarding the nationalization of Uniper, he said it was necessary to give the company a future. It was about “wide-ranging support”.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner and Economics Minister Robert Habeck acted together on the gas surcharge, saying that was “the important thing”. “We will definitely do what is important for Germany.” One tackles the fact that in Germany nobody sees their heating bill and no company sees their gas bill and is afraid and worried about the future, said Scholz.

The interview was recorded in the late afternoon. You can find it as a video in this message.