Chancellor Olaf Scholz has defended his course on arms deliveries to Ukraine. At an election campaign event of the Berlin SPD on Monday, he countered allegations that he was too hesitant about it.
“Germany is way ahead in supporting Ukraine,” said Scholz. This applies not only to financial and humanitarian aid, but also to arms deliveries.
The SPD politician emphasized that he would continue to act responsibly. “Everyone can rest assured that we will do what is right and good for Ukraine and peace in Europe, not public excitement.”
Scholz had agreed with US President Joe Biden on Friday to deliver Western-style armored personnel carriers to Ukraine for the first time. Ukraine has been demanding these tanks for months. Politicians from the Greens and FDP are now demanding that Scholz follow suit and also supply the more powerful Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine.
As in the past, we will always be at the forefront when it comes to the scope and quality of the deliveries that we organize.
Olaf Scholz (SPD)
The Chancellor emphasized that Germany, together with Great Britain, is now Ukraine’s most important arms supplier after the USA. “We’ll keep doing this,” he promised. And for as long as it is necessary. “As in the past, we will always be at the forefront when it comes to the scope and quality of the deliveries that we organize.”
However, Scholz also reiterated that this war must not become a war between Russia and NATO. And he also sticks to his principle that he will only act in coordination with his partners.
“Germany will not go it alone, Germany will always stay together with friends and allies and especially with our transatlantic partner, the United States of America. Anything else would be irresponsible in such a dangerous situation.” The majority of citizens think this attitude is right. (dpa)
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