Scholz says top priority is avoiding NATO confrontation with Russia

Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor

© APA | Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor

# 22 April 2022 13:26 (UTC +04:00)

"NATO must avoid a direct military confrontation with Russia that could lead to a third world war," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in an interview with Der Spiegel when asked about Germany's failure to deliver heavy weapons to Ukraine, APA reports citing Reuters.

Asked in an extensive interview published on Friday why he thought delivering tanks could lead to nuclear war, he said there was no rule book that stated when Germany could be considered a party to the war in Ukraine.

"That's why it is all the more important that we consider each step very carefully and coordinate closely with one another," he was quoted as saying. "To avoid an escalation towards NATO is a top priority for me."

"That's why I don't focus on polls or let myself be irritated by shrill calls. The consequences of an error would be dramatic."

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