NewsGerman chancellor confident Ukraine weapon use won’t escalate conflict

German chancellor confident Ukraine weapon use won’t escalate conflict

Russia threatens. Scholz defends government decision.
Russia threatens. Scholz defends government decision.
Images source: © DPA, PAP | Monika Skolimowska

12:49 PM EDT, June 4, 2024

"We are confident that this will not lead to escalation," stated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in an interview. He referred to his government's decision to allow Ukraine to use German weapons to attack targets in Russia.

"We are confident that this will not lead to escalation because, as American President Joe Biden also put it, the goal is, for example, to be able to defend a large city like Kharkiv," emphasized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in an interview with the radio station Antenne Bayern.

The Chancellor also added that this decision was the result of a careful decision-making process that was conducted together with "our friends and allies."

"German citizens can be sure of this"

Chancellor Scholz also emphasized that caution and careful consideration are necessary.

"And German citizens can be sure of this. I will not allow any pressure to convince me to make a wrong and not timely decision," he declared. He believes appropriate political actions should not be taken under the influence of emotions or pressure but should be based on a deliberate and thoughtful approach.

German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit informed on Friday about the Chancellor's decision, according to which Ukraine, which is under attack, can now use weapons provided by Germany against military targets in Russia. This decision came a day after the US government permitted Ukraine to use American weapons in a limited capacity against targets in Russia.

Both Germany and the US justified their decisions by referencing the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine.

This decision was immediately met with threats from Russia. - This is not 'military aid' but participation in a war against us - stated Dmitry Medvedev. The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia added that "the West may mistakenly believe that Russia will never use nuclear weapons."

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