“The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine entered a new phase last night,” declared Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin: Russia had begun the expected offensive in the Eastern part of the country. Scholz emphasised that no one was left cold by the suffering of Ukraine: “We feel infinite sorrow towards the victims and, it must also be said, great anger, great anger at the Russian President and this senseless war.”

Continued close coordination with allies

In this situation, said the Federal Chancellor, it was very important “to have allies with whom we can closely coordinate and discuss the best ways to support Ukraine,” said the Federal Chancellor. He had discussed this in detail in a video conference held today with the Presidents of the USA, France and Poland, the heads of government of Canada, Japan, Italy, Romania and Great Britain, and representatives of the EU and NATO. “It is clear that we will all continue to provide both financial and military support to Ukraine,” Federal Chancellor Scholz emphasised after the meeting.

Duty to prevent the war from spreading

At the same time, he continued, it was the duty of the heads of state and government to prevent the war from spreading to other countries. “That is why NATO cannot and will not intervene directly in the war,” said Scholz. “This remains the case, and we are all agreed on this.” The joint action would be based on these principles. “The greatest possible support for Ukraine, but no NATO participation in the war,” as Scholz said.

Further support for Ukrainian army

Germany, too, would continue to supply weapons to Ukraine in coordination with its partners. “The aim is to strengthen the Ukrainian army so that it can resist the Russian attack,” declared Scholz. Together with German industry and the Ukrainian government, a list was being worked through of what could be supplied to the country. Germany would make the necessary resources available to Ukraine for purchasing.

In addition, NATO partners who are supplying Soviet-built weapons would receive compensation. “This is something that we are doing together with many others who are taking the same course as us,” emphasised Scholz. He stressed: “It would be wrong for Germany to go it alone.”