Scholz: the supply of weapons to Kyiv should not provoke an escalation between Russia and NATO

Germany will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” but not enough to provoke an escalation in NATO-Russia relations, Chancellor Olaf Scholz told radio station Deutschlandfunk.

According to Scholz, Berlin supports the Ukrainians “in their struggle for integrity and sovereignty,” but does not set goals for them, and will not negotiate bypassing Kyiv.

In addition, Olaf Scholz said that his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin are always in a friendly tone, despite differences of opinion. Talks between the leaders of Russia and Germany were held on Tuesday.

“The tone is always friendly, even if there are very, very different, yes, very different views on this issue, which are also clearly stated, including from my side. I think it’s important that we have a conversation, but it’s also part of the process where you have no illusions,” Scholz said.

Earlier, the AFP agency, citing government circles in Berlin, reported that Germany does not want to supply tanks to Ukraine in the foreseeable future. The report says that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz insists on his refusal to supply tanks to Ukraine, and no change in his position is expected in the foreseeable future.