[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated on the 5th (local time) that "Russian President Vladimir Putin has never threatened me or Germany," and that it is clear from their phone conversations that their positions on the Ukraine war are completely different.
In an interview with the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag on the same day, he responded this way when asked if he had ever received threats similar to those revealed by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who disclosed that Putin threatened missile attacks on the UK just before invading Ukraine.
However, Chancellor Scholz clarified, "I have made it clear to President Putin that Russia bears sole responsibility for the war in Ukraine."
He continued, "Russia is invading a neighboring country without cause, attempting to seize part or all of it, which fundamentally violates the principles of peace in Europe, so we cannot simply accept this," explaining the reasons for providing financial aid and weapons to Ukraine.
Regarding Putin's remarks that supplying Germany's main battle tank, the Leopard 2, to Ukraine could increase the risk of danger, he said, "We have made decisions on arms supplies carefully and in close cooperation with our allies," and criticized, "He repeatedly makes confusing historical comparisons to justify the invasion of Ukraine."
He also emphasized, "This joint action (arms support) will prevent escalation," and "This war cannot be justified by anything."
In response to criticism that Germany delayed its decision to supply weapons to Ukraine, Chancellor Scholz said, "We have exercised restraint and will continue to weigh all decisions carefully," adding, "Anything else would be reckless and very dangerous."
When asked about the agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the policy of deploying Western weapons only on Ukrainian territory, he said that their opinions are aligned.
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