German Chancellor: "I do my best to prevent outbreak of WWIII"

"Germany cannot supply heavy weapons to Ukraine due to the threat of Russian aggression against NATO," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in an interview with Der Spiegel.

"We and our allies are supplying weapons to Ukraine. The matter is not about fear, but political responsibility. If the demand for a no-fly zone were met, NATO would go to war. I swear that I have long said that a direct military conflict between Russia, a well-armed, nuclear-armed superpower, and NATO should be avoided. I am doing my best to avoid the tensions that might lead to the WWIII. There should be no nuclear war. After all, there is a threat from Russia to NATO territory. We know this from the wishes of our supporters from the Baltic states to increase the number of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces)," he said.

Olaf Scholz stressed that according to NATO's instructions, Germany must resist a possible attack for 12 days using its military ammunition and equipment.

"Germany must be ready to defend its territory. Therefore, under current circumstances, I do my best not to forget my commitment over this threat."

However, the chancellor said that they intend to help Ukraine to increase its defense capabilities with Western weapons.

On the instructions of Olaf Scholz, the 48-page list of military aid to Ukraine was reduced to 24 pages, and 3 of the 15 types of weapons requested by official Kyiv were kept.