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"We deliver": Scholz counters criticism of Ukraine - and talks about Putin's "fear"

2022-06-19T16:04:45.681Z


"We deliver": Scholz counters criticism of Ukraine - and talks about Putin's "fear" Created: 06/19/2022, 17:49 By: Christian Deutschländer From left: Georg Anastasiadis and Christian Deutschländer in conversation with Olaf Scholz in the Federal Chancellery © Steffen Kugler/Bundesregierung In the Merkur interview, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated his course on arms deliveries in the Ukraine wa


"We deliver": Scholz counters criticism of Ukraine - and talks about Putin's "fear"

Created: 06/19/2022, 17:49

By: Christian Deutschländer

From left: Georg Anastasiadis and Christian Deutschländer in conversation with Olaf Scholz in the Federal Chancellery © Steffen Kugler/Bundesregierung

In the Merkur interview, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated his course on arms deliveries in the Ukraine war - and talked about Vladimir Putin's "fear".

Berlin/Munich – Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) defends his Ukraine course against criticism that he is delaying arms deliveries.

"We deliver what is needed and helps," said Scholz to the

Munich Merkur

.

"And we are moving in line with our most important and closest allies."

Scholz warned: "If we deliver the most modern weapon systems such as self-propelled howitzers or complex anti-aircraft systems, the soldiers must also be well trained, otherwise these weapons will be ineffective.

And for some systems, the appropriate ammunition must be organized.

Anyone who thinks that weapons of war are available like cars from dealers is wrong.”

He continued: "I'm aware that I have to endure criticism.

But I won't let myself be dissuaded from a level-headed course." He was chosen by many citizens, "because they trust me to do something: that I keep my cool - even when a situation is difficult.

And they can trust that.”

Ukraine war news: According to Scholz, Putin is acting out of fear of democracy

Scholz called on Russia to accept Ukraine's rapprochement with the European Union.

“NATO is not a threat to Russia, and certainly not to the European Union.

The Russian President has to accept that in his neighborhood a community of democracies and constitutional states is growing ever closer together.”

The chancellor said Vladimir Putin "appears to be scared that the spark of democracy will spread to his country.

That's why for years he's been pursuing a policy aimed at dissolving NATO and the EU.

He wants a divided Europe and a return to a policy of zones of influence.

He won't be able to do that."

In Ukraine there are accusations that Germany promises a lot and delivers too little.

When asked that his critics called it "scholzing", the Chancellor said: "A lot of what is being said in this country is simply not true.

And some underestimate the complexity of the matter.”

Scholz in an interview on the energy crisis: "Nuclear power will not help us now"

The SPD politician repeated his demand to Moscow: “Russia must end the war immediately and withdraw its troops.

It is clear that a dictated peace by Putin's grace is unacceptable.” Germany supports Ukraine to the best of its ability.

“Financially, by giving a lot of money.

Humanely, by treating the injured and by taking in more than 800,000 refugees in Germany.

And militarily, with the delivery of weapons and ammunition.” Scholz also recalled the European sanctions packages against Russia: “We will hold out for as long as it is necessary.”

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Putin's "Hunger Plan" in Three Acts: Historian Declares Next "Stage of War" and Predicts Unrest

“Push on Russia”: Putin delivers angry speeches against the USA and the EU – and talks about nuclear weapons

In terms of energy policy, the Federal Chancellor expressed skepticism about extending the operating times of nuclear power plants - but not categorically opposed.

"The experts tell us: That won't work," he said in an interview with the

Münchner Merkur

editorial team.

"The nuclear phase-out was decided a long time ago, the fuel elements and the necessary maintenance intervals of the plants have been precisely coordinated with the phase-out.

The fuel rods last until the end of the year.

According to these statements, procuring new fuel rods takes twelve to 18 months.

At least.

That's why nuclear power won't help us now, not in the next two years, which is important."

Scholz went on to say: “I wholeheartedly support the phase-out of nuclear energy.

Nevertheless: If it were possible to extend the term by one or two years without any problems, hardly anyone would object to it now.” But since that is “apparently not possible”, he does not dwell on the question for long.

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2022-06-19

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