It is Germany’s responsibility to ensure that a war between Russia and Ukraine does not become a war between Russia and NATO, says Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

He said this as he repeated his “nein” to sending long-range weapons to Kyiv.

“I don’t consider this to be a proper delivery, and that’s how it will stay,” Mr Scholz said after a European Union summit in Brussels.

Mr Scholz rejected key points in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “victory plan” out of concerns of future escalation.

Mr Zelensky presented his “victory plan” at the meeting and called on Mr Scholz again to send him Taurus cruise missiles.

The Ukrainian leader believes a deterrent missile arsenal could force Russia into peace negotiations.

Mr Scholz maintained his stance against a quick invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, as outlined in Mr Zelensky’s plan.

The United States also opposes a fast-track NATO entry for Ukraine.

The chancellor referred to the resolutions of the most recent NATO summit in Washington, which assured Ukraine that it could no longer be stopped on its way into the defence alliance.

He further said all allies must agree that NATO conditions are met for an invitation.

These include reforms in democracy, the economy and the security sector.

Mr Scholz also used the occasion to take a swipe at his main opposition in the Bundestag or German parliament, Christian Democratic (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz.

He complained that Mr Merz flip-flopped on Taurus deliveries, taking a no-delivery position before key elections in east Germany and changing his position after that. 

(dpa/NAN)