Chancellor Olaf Solz stressed that the goal in the Ukrainian crisis should be a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops, while he did not rule out the possibility of a Russian provocation to the Baltic states. However, he dismissed allegations that Germany was slow to send weapons to Ukraine or that if it had been sent earlier, war would have been averted, and advised former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to step down.
“No one expects Germany to wait long to hand over weapons to Ukraine. However, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it would be wrong for Germany to continue its restrictive course of arms deliveries to war zones. Those who are attacked without responsibility. “They are not allowed to be alone,” said Mr Soltz, according to pre-published excerpts from an interview that will be broadcast later tonight on the second channel of public television ZDF.
“The aim now must be a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops. It is right that we continue to press for sanctions and maintain room for diplomacy,” he said. However, when asked if he thought Vladimir Putin wanted anything more than Ukraine, the chancellor said, “it is important that we do not fool ourselves,” implying that the chancellor does not rule out a possible challenge to the Baltic states.
In any case, Mr. Soltz warned against a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. That is why no NATO member state would take part in military conflicts. “A direct confrontation would lead to a dramatic escalation of the situation,” he said.
Asked about the stance of former Social Democrat (SPD) chancellor and leader Gerhard Schroeder, who holds positions at Rosneft and Russian companies Nord Stream 1 and 2, Olaf Solz said for the first time that he would advised him to resign. “My advice to Gerhard Schroeder would be to step down from this position. This is not a personal matter. With such a public office as chancellor, one commits oneself after the end of one’s term. This commitment does not end. “When you leave office, it goes on,” said Mr. Soltz.
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