The German chancellor reaffirmed that Germany will not allow the war in Ukraine to become a conflict between Russia and NATO, after a meeting with the Chilean president.
“We contributed to the conflict not escalating, as this would have serious consequences for the entire world,” warned Olaf Scholz, this Sunday, as part of a visit to several countries in South America.
“This would lead, for example, to a war between Russia and the NATO countries. This will not happen, we will prevent it with all our efforts, we have achieved it so far and we will continue to achieve it, ”he said.
The head of the German Government considered that it was “supporting Ukraine”, “having a serious debate” to make the necessary decisions and not “a competition [para ver] who sends more arms”.
Scholz explained that, together with US President Joe Biden, he has refused to “send troops to Ukraine” to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
In an interview with the German newspaper Tagesspiegel, also published on Sunday, the chancellor had assured that Germany will not send fighter planes to Ukraine, at a time when kyiv is asking the West for more weapons to contain the Russian invasion.
After several weeks of hesitation, Berlin decided on Wednesday to send 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and allow other European countries to supply similar tanks to kyiv.
At the same time, the United States decided to supply the Ukrainian army with American-made Abrams tanks.
Scholz recalled that Germany “provided support, like other countries, in the form of financing, humanitarian aid and delivery of arms; this is its obligation.”
“No country supports Ukraine more than Germany,” added the head of the German government.
The President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, for his part, promised to “contribute [de forma] multilateral for peace”.
The German chancellor also indicated that the war “is not only a European issue, but a challenge for the entire international order” and thanked several South American countries, and especially Chile, for the support given to Ukraine.
“The democracies of the world must stand together and avoid a return to pecking order (…). Chile’s clear position to condemn Russian aggression is important and the right thing to do,” Scholz said.
After passing through Argentina and Chile, the head of the German Government will visit Brazil, between today and Wednesday, as part of his visit to South America to deepen political and economic ties with the region, including energy diversification, renewable energy, combat the climate crisis and defend multilateralism.
Source: TSF
