BERLIN: German leaders have urged Europe and the United States to think carefully when considering sanctions against Russia for any aggression against Ukraine in the crisis that pits Berlin's main gas supplier against its biggest security ally.
Among possible Western sanctions against President Vladmir Putin's government, Germany could stop the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia if it invaded Ukraine.
But that would risk exacerbating the gas supply crisis in Europe that causes energy prices to soar.
"Prudence determines choosing the course of action that will have the greatest effect on those who violate mutually agreed principles," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Scholz was quoted as saying by the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper on Sunday.
"At the same time, we have to consider the consequences it will have on us," Scholz added, saying no one should think any action is available without consequences for Germany.
According to the pre-release of the interview, Scholz also refuted the impression that the United States and Europe could not agree on a series of joint sanctions.
"In the circle of allies, we agreed on the possible steps. That's good. We have to be able to act in case of an emergency," he said.
The European Union has threatened "massive" sanctions and the US Senate Democrats have unveiled a bill that could potentially punish Russian officials, military leaders and banking institutions.
Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border but denies planning to invade the former Soviet republic. It has been subject to several sanctions since its 2014 annexation of Crimea from its neighbour.
Scholz rejected Russia's request to waive Ukraine's membership in the transatlantic NATO military alliance. "Such a guarantee cannot be given," said the chancellor.
But he said NATO membership in other countries in eastern Europe "is not currently on the agenda at all".
Source : Reuters
Comments
Post a Comment