Scholz defends the decision on long-range missiles, "careful" also about Ukraine's membership in NATO

2024-12-03 09:36:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Scholz defends the decision on long-range missiles, "careful" also

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine for the first time in more than two years on Monday and pledged to continue supporting Kiev in its fight against Russia.

However, he remained steadfast in his decision not to supply Kiev with Taurus long-range missiles, Euronews writes.

While Germany has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies, Scholz has resisted two of President Volodymyr Zelensky's main demands: the delivery of German- and Swedish-made Taurus missiles and speeding up the path to NATO membership.

Facing snap elections in February, Scholz defended his cautious approach, framing it as a balance between strong support for Ukraine and minimizing the risk of the conflict escalating into a direct NATO-Russia confrontation.

"This does not diminish our support, which is very broad and what is important for me to say - it will remain broad", said Scholz in Kiev.

Scholz has also been cautious about talks on Ukraine's rapid NATO membership. He emphasized the importance of finding a path to peace, which he insists "must not be resolved without including Ukraine".

Scholz's visit follows recent tensions after Zelensky criticized him for a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky said he disagreed with Scholz's phone call with the Russian president, adding that it could prompt calls with other leaders, possibly reducing Putin's international isolation and legitimizing his full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Scholz defended the call, saying he intended to remind Putin that Ukraine is a sovereign nation with the right to determine its own future.

He also emphasized that he conveyed to Putin the message that Ukraine is not alone and its partners will continue their support.