German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized Germany’s responsibility to prevent the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine from escalating into a broader conflict involving NATO.
Speaking after a European Union summit in Brussels, Scholz reiterated his firm opposition to sending long-range weapons to Ukraine, stating, “I don’t consider this to be a proper delivery and that’s how it will stay.”
Scholz’s stance remains unchanged despite renewed requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who presented his “victory plan” during the summit. Zelensky urged Germany to supply Taurus cruise missiles, arguing that an enhanced missile arsenal could pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
The German chancellor also expressed concerns about Zelensky’s proposal for Ukraine’s quick entry into NATO, aligning with the United States in opposing fast-track membership. Scholz pointed to the resolutions from the recent NATO summit in Washington, which offer Ukraine a general pathway toward joining the alliance, but emphasize the need for democratic, economic, and security reforms before an official invitation can be extended.
Additionally, Scholz criticized opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for shifting his position on missile deliveries, accusing him of political inconsistency before and after key elections in eastern Germany.
