German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) sees Germany also after the end of the war in Ukraine in its responsibility. “At first, it would be a good news if the war in Ukraine were to come to an end. But even then, we would still be called upon to enable a secure future for Ukraine” he told the “Rheinische Post” (Wednesday edition).
“It will then be about security guarantees and also about how Ukraine can maintain a strong army, which we will equip together” Scholz said. “We will discuss this in the coming time with our allies.”
“Currently, however, such speculation is being refused” the Chancellor said. Nothing should, after all, be decided over the heads of the Ukrainians. “And we have not yet had a peace either.”
Scholz looked at the discussion about the percentage of GDP for defense, saying, “I am entirely in agreement with the Defense Minister that the percentages are not the decisive factor. What is important is that we can defend ourselves well. In NATO, we have agreed that we will at least spend two percent of our economic output on defense. Now, a discussion process is underway in the alliance about the capabilities and goals of each member. And when this process is completed, we will discuss how we can manage this.