Scholz opposes fighter jets for Ukraine, warns against "raising the stakes"

He said this in an interview with Tagesspiegel publication.

When former Ambassador of Ukraine Andriy Melnyk call for providing fighter jets, Scholz warned against "entering into a constant competition for higher rates when it comes to weapons systems."

"If another debate begins in Germany immediately after a decision is made, it does not look very serious and undermines public confidence in government decisions," the German Chancellor emphasized, referring to the recent decision to supply battle tanks to Kyiv.

He also emphasized that decisions on military assistance to Ukraine are made to prevent a direct clash between Russia and NATO.

"The German Chancellor, who takes his oath seriously, must do everything to ensure that Russia's war against Ukraine does not turn into a war between Russia and NATO," Scholz said, adding that he "will not allow such an escalation."

• On January 29, it became known that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz would continue to communicate with the Russian dictator. The withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine remains a requirement for the talks.