Scholz explains why he won't lift restrictions on striking Russia with German weapons
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Germany will not change its position on restrictions on strikes against Russia with weapons provided to Ukraine. Berlin does not want to take steps that could lead to escalation, according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“We support Ukraine as much as necessary, and at the same time, all our decisions are balanced to prevent a war between Russia and NATO,” he said.
According to the Chancellor, based on this position, Germany “clearly indicates” what types of weapons it can and cannot transfer to Ukraine.
Scholz also noted that he allowed Ukraine to use these weapons to strike at the territory of Russia, but only in the areas bordering the Kharkiv region. He emphasized that this decision was made to prevent Russia from using the border area for massive attacks on Kharkiv.
The German Chancellor emphasized that Berlin would not use its aircraft and missiles to strike Russia or send military personnel to the territory of Ukraine.
He also added that it is necessary to support the processes that will lead to peace.
Restrictions on strikes against Russia
In May 2024, several of Ukraine's allies permitted the use of provided weapons for strikes on Russian territory. This decision came amid an offensive by the Russian forces in the north of the Kharkiv region.
However, partners imposed restrictions on these strikes. Specifically, the US and Germany allowed Ukraine to attack Russian military targets in the border zone to prevent new enemy attacks.
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on allies to lift the restrictions on strikes against Russia. He stated that Russian airfields, from which attacks on Ukraine are launched, must be destroyed
