German Chancellor defends decision to allow Ukrainian strikes in Russia
- We are convinced that this will not lead to an 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 convinced that this will not lead to an escalation because – as the US president has also said – it is only a matter of being able to defend a major city like Kharkiv, for example - emphasized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in an interview with the radio station Antenne Bayern.
- And I think it makes sense to everyone that this must be possible - said Scholz.
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 the citizens of Germany can rely on that. I will not allow any pressure to persuade me to make a decision that is not right and that is not timely - 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 at 1:00 PM GMT 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 no military assistance, this is participation in a war against us - stated Dmitry Medvedev. The Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia added that the West "May as well be wrong about the use of tactical nuclear weapons."
