Germany says NATO will not intervene militarily in Ukraine

BERLIN (AA) - Germany on Thursday promised additional military assistance to Ukraine, but ruled out NATO’s direct intervention to stop Russia’s aggression.

Speaking at a joint news conference with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said they want to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict, and will remain in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

“We are providing financial support, humanitarian aid, and also military equipment. Germany is making its contribution here, and we’ll continue to do so,” he said.

But he turned down calls for NATO’s involvement on the ground, by sending peacekeeping forces or establishing a no-fly zone, as suggested by several politicians.

“I would like to be very clear and say that NATO will not intervene militarily in this war,” he stressed.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said allied countries will continue to help Ukraine’s self-defense, but will not take steps that could trigger a wider conflict.

“NATO has a responsibility to prevent this conflict from escalating further. That would be even more dangerous, and cause more suffering, death, and destruction,” he said.

Stoltenberg called on Kremlin to immediately stop its military campaign and return to the negotiating table.

“This is President Putin’s war. He must stop the war, withdraw his forces and engage in diplomacy, in good faith,” he said.