In an interview with Stern magazine, the German Chancellor noted that Europe is in a state of emergency, saying that “it is literally a matter of life and death.” Many in the Kremlin have not yet realized that the situation will have catastrophic consequences for Russia, he noted.
He warned in a dramatic tone about the danger of the conflict escalating into a nuclear war: “With this war we must take everything seriously. “In practice we should not have any illusions about Putin,” he said, adding that it was the German government's job to prevent the use of such weapons. that things will not turn out so badly.
“Because the whole planet is in a state of emergency, 'transparency' is important,” said Chancellor Soltz. and how the citizens feel, he noted characteristically, while in another part of the interview he pointed out that only Ukraine – and no one else – will negotiate with Russia for peace and its terms. He made it clear, however, that he considered that we were far from the end of the war.
“Ukraine is defending itself with great bravery and a lot of intelligence. “The performance of the Ukrainian military leadership is impressive and amazing,” Olaf Solz said, praising the fighting spirit of the Ukrainians and the leadership skills of President Zelensky, who is doing a “very good job.” Finally, the German Chancellor praised the American President, while keeping his distance from the former Chancellor Schroeder, with whom he “has no contact or relationship”, as he said.
In another interview with ZDF, he stated unequivocally that he has maintained a clear leadership stance so far, emphasizing that sometimes leadership also means “that I do not give in to all those who shout loudly and use the wrong arguments.” At the same time, responding to the accusations of hesitation, he stated that “In all cases, I made decisions quickly. “But my policy is to act prudently and with a clear mind.” Many citizens – he added – rightly “were very worried that there would be an escalation”. That is why he himself stated from the beginning, in consultation with all Western partners: “NATO and Germany will not be directly involved in this war.”
On arms deliveries to Ukraine, which he has been widely accused of in recent weeks of reluctance and constant change of course, Mr Solz said that after the start of the war, he was forced to reverse Germany's decades-long policy of not handing over weapons to war zones. All further decisions – he said – were based on the course of the war. The same happened with the recent decision to equip the Ukrainian Army with the Gepard anti-aircraft tank. As he did not say, the question is not, “heavy weapons” yes or no? The question is whether the weapons delivered to Ukraine are useful. win & # 8211; “Ukraine's not allowed to lose,” he said, adding that “without Ukraine's consent we will not lift the sanctions again.” that “we are gradually able not to use coal, we can get rid of oil a little faster” and “in the long run” Germany will be able to do it without gas imports. Asked if he could be more specific, he said the process could be “incredibly accelerated”. However, the Chancellor did not want to say how fast.
