Scholz on shrine referendums: “Will not accept the result”

Moscow celebrates the result of the sham referendum – but Chancellor Scholz does not want to accept it. Nothing will change in German support for Ukraine. At the same time, Scholz warned Putin against using atomic bombs.

For Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the “referendums” conducted by Russia in four occupied Ukrainian territories make no difference to German politics. “We will not accept the results of these referendums and will continue to support Ukraine with undiminished strength,” said the SPD politician in an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”.

Russia reported that the “referendums” in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions had given high support for joining Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to address the Russian parliament on Friday. Before the start of the sham referendums, he stressed that the areas would then be completely under Russia’s protection.

Scholz warns against the use of atomic bombs

The sham referendums are criticized as a breach of international law. They are not recognized worldwide because they were held in violation of Ukrainian and international laws and without minimum democratic standards. There have been a number of reports of voting taking place under threats of violence and intimidation.

Representatives of the occupation authorities had gone door to door collecting votes. According to observers, they were often accompanied by Russian armed forces.

Scholz warned Putin against using nuclear bombs. When asked whether Putin could carry out his threats, he said in an interview: “Who knows? Like US President Joe Biden, I want to say quite clearly to Russia: Let it be!”

“Act of Desperation”

Scholz rated the partial mobilization in Russia as an “act of desperation”. It was a “somewhat panicky reaction” to the failures of the Russian army in eastern Ukraine. With the partial mobilization, the Russian government is causing unrest. “Putin is lining up mistakes after mistakes,” said the Chancellor. He could end the war immediately “by withdrawing his troops and then starting talks with Kyiv.”

In connection with German arms deliveries, Scholz emphasized that the already delivered self-propelled howitzers, multiple rocket launchers and anti-aircraft tanks of the Gepard type already made an important contribution to the successes of the Ukrainian troops.

“No going it alone”

Regarding the demand for German battle tanks and armored personnel carriers, Scholz again referred to the ring exchange with partner countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Greece. This will enable the delivery of 100 battle and infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. He is surprised “that some critics act as if we only deliver helmets”.

The attitude of the federal government is clear: “No going it alone. And it will stay that way,” said Scholz. The situation in Ukraine is very dynamic and has to be reassessed again and again. But the course remains clear: “Germany is supporting Ukraine to the best of its ability and at the same time is doing everything possible to prevent a direct conflict between NATO and Russia.” That is the basis of all decisions and also corresponds to the will of the citizens.