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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called on Russian President Vladimir Putin directly to release the noose around Ukraine’s neck. Photo/REUTERS
Steinmeier said responsibility for the risk of war in Ukraine lies with Russia.
His comments made clear Berlin’s position on the crisis had previously been criticized for being too soft on Moscow.
“Frank-Walter Steinmeier directs Russian President Vladimir Putin to release the noose around Ukraine’s neck,” wrote AFPciting the results of the telephone conversation, which was launched Monday (14/2/2022).
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The president of the Social Democratic Party said the European continent was faced with the danger of military conflict, especially in eastern Europe. “Russia bears the responsibility for that,” said Steinmeier.
“Peace cannot be taken lightly. It must be done in dialogue and if necessary, with clear words, prevention and determination,” added the former foreign minister.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s echoed the words of Steinmeier, who is also his party mate. “There is a serious threat to peace in Europe,” he said.
“If any military aggression against Ukraine threatens its territorial integrity and sovereignty, it will lead to tough sanctions that we have carefully prepared and which we can implement immediately, together with our allies in NATO and Europe,” Scholz said.
Scholz traveled to Kiev on Monday, where he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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