As long as it takes: Scholz calls on Germans to support Ukraine

This is reported by ZDF.

"A peace without freedom means oppression. There is no peace without justice. That is why we support Ukraine in its struggle for a just peace - as long as it takes," Scholz said.

He stressed that support for Ukraine is also important for Germany's security.

"That is why we support Ukraine in its struggle for a just peace - as long as it is necessary," the chancellor said.

Scholz said that peace in Europe has been maintained for many decades due to the principle that "borders cannot be changed by force". The chancellor stressed that it was Russian dictator Vladimir Putin who violated this principle.

• On February 22, members of the German parliament did not support the supply of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. At the time, 182 voted in favour and 480 against. Five more abstained. 

• On February 26, Chancellor Scholz said that supplying Ukraine with Taurus missiles could drag Germany into a war.

• At a meeting on March 14, the Bundestag rejected for the second time the possibility of supplying Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles.

• On March 29, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had blocked the provision of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine not because he was afraid of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The reason is different.

• Instead, the Taurus manufacturer MBDA called on the German government to speed up its decision-making on orders for industry.

• Former German President Joachim Gauck said that, despite Scholz's fears, the country would not be drawn into a war if Ukraine were to receive Taurus missiles.