Without commenting on the delivery of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised that Berlin would support Kiev “as long as necessary”.
Speaking during the week of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) “Davos Agenda 2023”, Scholz stated that the past year has been more challenging than ever, with the Russia-Ukraine war and the ensuing energy crisis.
Scholz explained that his country quickly built liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and filled natural gas storage facilities quickly to overcome the energy crisis triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war. GermanyHe stressed that energy supply is safe for this winter in .
“Germany can be flexible, not bureaucratic and we can be fast,” Scholz said. said
Stating that Germany’s transformation towards a carbon-neutral economy gained a completely new dynamic with the energy crisis, Scholz emphasized the increasing role of hydrogen in the economy.
Stating that his country allocated more than 12 billion euros to Kiev last year, Olaf Scholz said, “We support Ukraine not only with financial means and humanitarian aid, but also with a large number of weapons. Ukraine also defends itself with great success and impressive courage. ” said.
Pointing out that the private sector will play an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine, Scholz stated that companies are also aware of the opportunities in Ukraine.
When asked about the supply of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, Scholz did not comment on the delivery, saying NATO wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with Russia. Scholz promised that Berlin would support Kiev “as long as necessary”.
While the US’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) continues to be the subject of debate in Europe, Scholz said that trade protectionism contributes negatively to climate change mitigation by hindering competition and innovation.
GERMANY’S ROLE IS CRITICAL
Germany plays an important role in the delivery of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, because the approval of the Berlin government is required for countries that buy weapons from Germany to export them to a third country.
Pressure had increased on Berlin over the delivery of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, with the UK promising to send Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine for the first time as a Western country.
Photo: AP