German Chancellor sends message to Russia, warns serious consequences if Ukraine is attacked

Ahead of his first visits as Chancellor to Kiev on Monday and Moscow for meetings with Ukrainian and Russian presidents, Mr. Scholz reiterated his warning to Russia, as he called for diplomatic efforts to continue.

“It is our task to prevent a war in Europe by sending a clear message to Russia that any military aggression would have serious consequences for Russia and its perspective, and that we are united with our allies”, Chancellor Scholz said in the German parliament Friday.

But he added that all efforts to continue talks must be made.

However, a German government source told Reuters news agency that Berlin does not expect “concrete results” from talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, Germany's deputy Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said Sunday in an interview that Europe may be on the brink of war.

Mr. Habeck gave no details but referred to the massive collection of armed forces between the two countries opposite each other.

Scholz has repeatedly said that Moscow would pay a “high price” in the event of an attack, but his government's refusal to supply Ukraine with deadly weapons or determine which sanctions it would support against Russia, have been criticised inside and abroad and raised questions about Berlin's determination to confront Russia. / VOA