confrontation with Russia
Scholz continues to strictly reject arms deliveries in Ukraine
Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his way to the government plane that is supposed to take him to Washington. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
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Shortly before his departure for Washington, Chancellor Scholz emphasized again: No deadly weapons for Ukraine. He lets criticism roll off himself.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has again strictly rejected German arms deliveries to Ukraine and at the same time tried to allay doubts about Germany’s loyalty to the alliance.
“For many years, the federal government has had a clear course that we will not deliver to crisis areas and that we will not deliver lethal weapons to Ukraine,” said the SPD politician on Sunday in Berlin in the ARD program “Report from Berlin”. before departing for his inaugural visit to US President Joe Biden. With a view to ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), he added: “My predecessor thought so, and that was correct. And that stays true.”
Scholz emphasized that the majority of Germans see it the same way. There are other loud statements in public. “But my obligation is to do what is in the interest of the German people and what, in this case, is also the view of the citizens of our country.” The chancellor has been accused by NATO partners in Eastern Europe – but also by the USA – of putting too little pressure on Russia in the Ukraine crisis.
When criticized that Germany was perceived as the weakest link in NATO, Scholz replied: “That is a wrong impression, which is not prevalent in Washington either, but which some express.” Germany has the largest contingent of troops in the European Union and makes the largest contribution within NATO. “Everyone knows that, it is of great importance.” Many allies are based in Germany. “At the same time, we are the country that has provided the greatest economic and financial assistance to Ukraine since 2014.” Scholz made a similar statement shortly before leaving for Washington on the RTL/ntv television station.
Scholz rejected criticism that his initial visit to Washington was too late. The trip comes “at exactly the right time” and is well prepared. “You don’t just go there to have a coffee. It’s about doing real, tough, important politics, which in this case is of course taking place in a very critical situation.” It is about “preventing a war in Europe. (…) That is what I owe the citizens of our country and for which I also feel responsible with regard to the European peace order and our allies.»