Steinmeier Backs Cautious Approach Toward Further Arms Supplies For Ukraine

Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier defended the federal government's decision cautious stance on the supply of Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine in an interview with the Wirtschafts weekly.

• Steinmeier reiterated contested claims about Germany's leading role in providing all sorts of aid to Kyiv, deflecting the initial question about Chancellor Olaf Scholz's reluctance to greenlight the supply of more weapons. Elaborating on his answer, he warned against the potential escalation in the conflict.
• "Every responsible politician must also deal with the question of when and under what circumstances the conflict could escalate dramatically," Steinmeier said adding that it would be unwise to discuss potential limits of the German support.
• The leader acknowledged the failure of Germany's "Wandel durch Handel (change through trade") approach to relations with Russia, noting that Germany had not noticed Vladimir Putin's growing determination in pursuing his imperialistic agenda early enough.
• Steinmeier said that he is in close contact with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky and would be happy to welcome him in Berlin. He added that any state visit to Russia is out of the question while Moscow continues its brutal invasion.