A Red Line has been Set: Scholz on the Threat from Russia

The danger that Russian President Vladimir Putin might use nuclear weapons during the war in Ukraine has decreased in response to international pressure, stated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The war continues with "no less brutality," although something has changed at the moment, Scholz said in an interview with Funke media. "Russia has ceased to threaten the use of nuclear weapons. In response to the fact that the international community has set a red line," he is convinced.

Despite deep disagreements, it is important for dialogue with the Kremlin to continue, the German chancellor added. According to him, Putin must stop the war, after which he would be prepared to discuss arms control with Russia in Europe.

Defending Germany's support for Ukraine, which critics in Kyiv and several European countries describe as overly restrained, Scholz stated that Germany has been one of Ukraine's strong supporters after the United States, particularly regarding arms supplies. "We are doing everything possible to prevent direct war between Russia and NATO. There will only be losers in that conflict—all over the world," he said.