Scholz promises that Germany will not be a “party” in the Ukraine war – DW – 03.07.2024

Chancellor Olaf Scholz assured citizens on Wednesday that Germany would not become a party to the war in the defensive struggle against Moscow.

Although Germany is one of Ukraine’s largest arms suppliers, Scholz has always resisted the idea of ​​sending military personnel. In his recent comments, he reiterated his premise that Germany should not be drawn into the conflict.

What the Chancellor said about Ukraine

During a parliamentary question time, a member of the socialist Left Party had demanded that Scholz guarantee that Germany would not be drawn into the role of a “war party”.

“Yes, I give this guarantee,” said the SPD politician, referring to his previous rejection of direct involvement. “As Chancellor, I stand by this.”

Scholz had previously rejected the deployment of German soldiers to the war zone after French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he wanted to send military trainers to Ukraine.

Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin has long stated that he views Germany and the Western military alliance NATO as warring parties because of their arms deliveries to Ukraine. However, this has not had any practical consequences so far.

Meanwhile, Scholz warned that Germany should not support a ceasefire in the war that would effectively lead to Kyiv’s capitulation.

“In my view, we as Germany must never support a ceasefire that entails the capitulation of Ukraine.”

Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin effectively demanded that Ukraine surrender if it wanted to begin peace talks at all.

What he said about the budget

The Chancellor said Germany could assure its NATO partners that it would continue to adhere to the so-called two percent target for defense spending in the coming years.

The draft budget for 2025 will provide medium-term financial planning to provide clarity on how Germany will respond to the challenges, said Scholz.

The Chancellor said the budget’s “growth-promoting” measures included “many very smart measures,” without giving details. “I like what I already know,” he added.

Although the three-party coalition is “not quite finished” with its discussions, Scholz said, they are in the “final stages” and he expects an agreement before Friday.

rc/ab (AFP, dpa, Reuters)