Berlin, 21 February 2022: In a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin on Monday, Federal Chancellor Scholz condemned Russia’s plans to recognise the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics in Ukraine as independent states.
Berlin, 22 February 2022: The visit of Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin was overshadowed by Russian President Putin’s recognition of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent “people’s republics”.
At the joint press conference with his Irish counterpart, Scholz condemned the action as a serious violation of international law. “Among other things, President Vladimir Putin is in breach of the Minsk Agreement, which he himself signed in 2014/2015.”
Berlin, 23 February 2022: On Wednesday morning, the Security Cabinet met to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
“Peace in Europe is under threat,” said Federal Chancellor Scholz. The European peace order is based on respect for borders and state sovereignty, he stressed. “We must return to these principles.”
EU countries swiftly agreed on a new, far-reaching package of sanctions to be imposed on Russia. On Wednesday, the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was at the Chancellery for talks.
Berlin, 24 February 2022: Russia's President Putin officially ordered an attack by the Russian military on Ukraine on Thursday night, so the Security Cabinet met again the next morning.
“Today, February 24th, is a terrible day for Ukraine and a sombre day for Europe,” said Federal Chancellor Scholz in a statement afterwards.
“There is no justification for any of this. This is Putin’s war,” stated the Federal Chancellor unequivocally. He said he had assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Germany’s full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
In the afternoon, Federal Chancellor Scholz sought talks with the leaders of the European Union, Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as with French President Emmanuel Macron.
In a joint press release issued after talks, the G7 strongly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and expressed their unwavering support and solidarity for Ukraine.
By early afternoon, several hundred people were demonstrating in front of the Chancellery against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Scholz spoke to the citizens of Germany in a televised address. “By launching this attack, Putin wants to turn back time. But there is no going back to the past. Europe’s future is one of peace and freedom. We will make sure of this –together with our friends and partners.”
In the evening, Federal Chancellor Scholz left for a special summit in Brussels.
At the crisis summit, the heads of state and government of the 27 EU states agreed on a comprehensive package of sanctions against Russia. Punitive measures will impact areas such as energy, finance and transport.
Berlin, 25 February 2022: A special virtual NATO summit was held to discuss Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The Federal Chancellor attended via video link.