The German Chancellor reaffirmed that Germany will not allow the war in Ukraine to become a conflict between Russia and NATO, at the end of a meeting with the President of Chile.
“We contributed to the conflict not escalating, as this would have serious consequences for the whole world”, warned Olaf Scholz, on Sunday, as part of a visit to several countries in South America.
“That 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 managed so far and will continue to do so, ”he said.
The head of the German government considered it a matter of “supporting Ukraine”, of “having a serious debate” to make necessary decisions and not “a competition [to see] who sends the most weapons”.
Scholz explained that, along 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 Kiev 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 Kiev.
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 funding, humanitarian aid and arms deliveries – this is its obligation”.
“No country supports Ukraine more than Germany,” added the head of the German government.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric, for his part, promised to “contribute [in a] multilateral way to peace”.
The German chancellor also indicated that the war “is not just a European issue, but a challenge for the entire international order” and thanked several countries in South America, and especially Chile, for the support given to Ukraine.
“The world’s democracies must stand together and avoid a return to the rule of the fittest (…). Chile’s clear position in condemning Russian aggression is important and the right thing to do,” said Scholz.
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 energies, combating the climate crisis and defending multilateralism.
*With Lusa
