Scholz expressed pride in his role in preventing escalation in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the topic of Russia's war against Ukraine during a debate in the Bundestag on November 13.

The event was streamed by ZDF on YouTube.

“We must ensure that Ukraine has prospects as a democratic, sovereign nation. It cannot be left alone, and this issue needs to be discussed. We reaffirm our solidarity with Ukraine and its support,” Scholz stated.

He also mentioned that he has not changed his mind regarding the prohibition of Ukraine using German weapons to strike deep into Russia.

“I am against our supplied weapons being used far into Russian territory, and I will not change my position on delivering cruise missiles from Germany,” he said.

Moreover, Scholz believes that his “prudent policy” has been correct and has helped avoid “escalation” in the war, emphasizing the importance of preventing further escalation so that Berlin does not become a “party to the conflict.”

“And here I want to say, I confirm, I emphasize that I still consider it correct that I made a personal contribution to avoid escalation,” the Chancellor declared.

“And I say directly: the country that does more than others in Europe to ensure that Ukraine does not remain unsupported is also concerned about avoiding escalation,” he added.

Social media users reacted skeptically to the Chancellor's statement, posting photos of destroyed Ukrainian cities and commenting: “Is this what he calls a lack of escalation?”

“I am Ukrainian, and this shocks me greatly; he has blood on his hands. The missiles he refuses to provide could have destroyed the Russian missiles that kill Ukrainians every day,” commented Tymofiy Milovanov, President of the Kyiv School of Economics and former Minister of Economy, on social media.

Background. Earlier, media reported that former German Finance Minister Lindner proposed to Scholz to provide Ukraine with “Taurus” missiles, to which the Chancellor responded by announcing his resignation.