Only Social Democrats can prevent NATO-Russia war, German chancellor says

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a forceful election pitch Friday, positioning his Social Democratic Party (SPD) as the only political force capable of preventing a war between NATO and Russia.

In a significant speech delivered at a party event in Berlin, Scholz emphasized Germany's role as Europe's leading supporter of Ukraine while firmly rejecting calls to provide long-range cruise missiles that could strike deep into Russian territory.

"Our government decided to support Ukraine, to help it with weapons, with financial means, and we are currently the biggest supporter of Ukraine in the whole of Europe," Scholz said. "But at the same time, we must ensure that this terrible war does not escalate into a war between Russia and NATO."

Scholz said he is aware that many German citizens are concerned about security and peace in Europe, particularly following the latest escalation, with Russia striking Ukraine using a new intermediate-range ballistic missile for the first time.

“This is a terrible escalation, just like the deployment of North Korean soldiers, who are now being used in this war, and are dying for Russian President Vladimir Putin's imperial dream,” he said.

Scholz emphasized that in the past two years, he has consistently acted with prudence and coordinated Berlin's efforts with allies and partner countries to prevent direct confrontation with Russia. Scholz promised this approach would continue if the SPD succeeds in the upcoming elections scheduled for February 23, 2025.

"If you are the biggest supporter of Ukraine, it is also important that you do this embedded in alliances and friendships, and also with prudence, and you do what prevents such an escalation from turning into a war between Russia and NATO," Scholz said. "I have been committed to this, and I have done so."

He said German voters can count on the Social Democrats to maintain a balanced approach to Ukraine - one that combines unwavering support with careful steps to avoid direct conflict with Russia. Scholz highlighted his party's track record of making measured decisions that protect German interests.

“As Social Democrats, we have said we do not want to supply cruise missiles to Ukraine that can be fired far into Russian territory. And we have also said we will not provide clearance for the advanced weapons we have supplied to be used in such a way,” he said. “I would like to say that this is only possible with the SPD: In such a difficult issue, acting with prudence, while providing support for Ukraine at the same time,” he added.

Other German political parties have taken different stances on the missile issue. The opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) has repeatedly called for sending Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, arguing that enhanced military support would help end the conflict sooner. The Greens, while part of the governing coalition, have also shown more openness to providing long-range missiles, with their chancellor candidate Robert Habeck saying that if he were elected head of government, he would deliver Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. The Free Democratic Party (FDP), which quit the ruling coalition government earlier this month, also argued that Germany should follow suit after the Biden administration's decision to allow Ukraine to use longer-range US weapons, and deliver Taurus missiles to Ukraine.