German Chancellor: Germany will not send fighter jets to Ukraine

Scholz stressed that Germany’s “financial, humanitarian and military assistance” to Ukraine does not change the fact that Germany is not a party to the war. The German chancellor said Germany would do everything to prevent the conflict from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO countries. “This is absolutely not on the table, and we will use all the means available to ensure that this does not happen,” she said.

The chancellor’s remarks could be seen as a clarification of remarks made by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the European Council on January 24. She urged the West to unite: “We are in a war against Russia, not against each other.” Moscow seized on Berberk’s case, accusing Germany and other EU members of becoming direct parties to the de facto conflict.

The German Foreign Ministry has clarified several times in the days since that the minister’s comments were not intended to portray Germany or other Allies as combatants.

After weeks of diplomatic back-and-forth, Germany and the United States announced on Jan. 25 that they would supply main battle tanks to Ukraine, a move welcomed by Kiev and warned by Moscow of a dangerous escalation of the conflict. In addition, Ukraine is seeking to acquire Western fighter jets such as the F-16. German Chancellor Olga Scholz responded that Germany had made it clear early on that it would not provide fighter jets and would not send ground troops. The United States has not ruled out supplying fighter jets.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror on January 29, Scholz also expressed his intention to have direct communication with Putin again in order to seek an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine: “I also intend to have another phone conversation with Putin, because it is necessary to talk to each other. … It is up to Mr Putin to withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine and end this terrible and senseless war. The war has cost thousands of lives.”