Scholz Defends Germany’s Caution on Sending Heavy Arms to Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaks to the media, with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, not seen in photo, during a joint press conference in Tokyo, Thursday, April 28, 2022. (AP)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaks to the media, with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, not seen in photo, during a joint press conference in Tokyo, Thursday, April 28, 2022. (AP)
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Scholz Defends Germany’s Caution on Sending Heavy Arms to Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaks to the media, with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, not seen in photo, during a joint press conference in Tokyo, Thursday, April 28, 2022. (AP)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaks to the media, with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, not seen in photo, during a joint press conference in Tokyo, Thursday, April 28, 2022. (AP)

Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday rejected criticism that Germany was not showing leadership in western efforts to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons to repel Russia's invasion, saying that he'd rather be cautious than make hasty decisions.

Scholz is under pressure at home and abroad to supply Ukraine with heavy arms such as tanks and howitzers and support an immediate EU embargo on Russian energy imports to strip President Vladimir Putin of hard currency that helps him finance the war.

"I take my decisions fast and in concert with our partners," Scholz told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper in an interview. "I find hasty actions and maverick German efforts questionable."

In a U-turn, Germany approved on April 26 the delivery of "Gepard" anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine, a step backed by 55% of Germans who in an opinion poll said Europe's biggest economy should supply Ukraine with such arms.

However, the decision did not help reverse public perception of Scholz as being indecisive and lacking leadership. An opinion poll published in Bild am Sonntag showed that 54% were unsatisfied with Scholz's handling of the crisis. His approval rating fell to 32%, the poll showed.

Fearing Russia could broaden the war to countries other than Ukraine, some of Germany's partners in the NATO military alliance had expressed discontent with Scholz's initial hesitancy on arming Ukraine.

Others like Poland are unhappy with Germany's opposition to an EU embargo on Russian gas imports.

The Greens and Free Democrats, junior coalition partners to Scholz's Social Democrats, are more keen on providing more military assistance to Ukraine.

Scholz has had to balance their demands with those of left-leaning members of his party who say delivering heavy weapons to Ukraine risks provoking a Russian military response in a third country and sparking a broader conflict.

Moscow calls its actions a "special operation" to disarm Ukraine and rid it of anti-Russian nationalism fomented by the West. Ukraine and the West say Russia launched an unprovoked war of aggression.



Macron Announces Joint French-German Defense Council

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
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Macron Announces Joint French-German Defense Council

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE
French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 07 May 2025. EPA/HANNIBAL HANSCHKE

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday the creation of a "French-German defense and security council" as Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Paris.

"We will set up a French-German defense and security council to meet regularly to bring operational responses to our common strategic challenges," Macron said at a joint press conference, as Europe seeks to boost its defenses amid Russia's war against Ukraine and doubts over US security commitments to Europe.

Macron said that he doubted Vladimir Putin would respect a three-day truce in Ukraine and wondered if the Russian leader was "serious" about a durable peace.

"Beyond the three days promised, which will undoubtedly not be respected, like the previous ones, is the Russian president finally serious?" Macron said at the news conference. "Will he finally decide to keep his word, especially the promises he made in his discussions with the US administration? That is what matters to us."

Merz said for his part he was hopeful that a permanent ceasefire could be agreed soon for Ukraine but held back on making any commitments for Ukraine's security.
"We will be there to accompany this 30-day cease fire and build a lasting and solid peace. And we (France and Germany) are in close contact," Macron added.