Germany will not send its troops to Ukraine — Scholz

Germany, together with its allies, will continue to support Ukraine with military equipment and weapons but will not send its soldiers to war.

Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz said this while speaking in the Bundestag on Wednesday, Ukrinform reports.

"We will not send ground troops under any conditions. I said that there would be no direct participation of NATO soldiers in the war in Ukraine. This is not happening now and will not happen in the future," said Scholz, recalling that not only he but also the US president had stated this from the very beginning.

The chancellor said that Germany is one of the leaders in providing comprehensive assistance to Ukraine so that it "can protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity" and added that russia's goals in the war are purely imperialistic.

According to the politician, the help provided to Kyiv by partners is effective precisely because everyone acts together and is united. The decision to transfer Leopard 2 to Ukraine resulted from close cooperation.

"The fact that we will hand over the tanks became possible thanks to the partners' decision," said the head of the German government, clarifying that Germany will coordinate the process.

The chancellor also commented on the relations between Germany and one of its closest allies — the United States, stressing that they are now "at such a good level that they may not have been in a long time."

At the same time, Scholz called on the citizens of Germany to trust him and the government and emphasized that he would not allow "public sentiment" to influence the government's decisions. According to him, the German government will make "considered decisions" closely coordinated with international partners and allies, which will not conflict with Germany's security interests.

As reported, on January 25, the German government decided to provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with 14 Leopard 2 main battle tanks.

In addition, Germany will provide appropriate permits to partner countries that want to deliver Leopard 2 tanks from their warehouses to Ukraine quickly.