German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. File photoBERLIN, May 8.German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the citizens on the occasion of the Day of the Liberation of Germany from National Socialism, assuring them that Berlin would not take any decisions that could make NATO a participant in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As a rule, the German Chancellor does not make televised addresses on the occasion of May 8 However, Scholz explained that «for me, this is May 8 like no other, so I am writing to you today,» linking this to the events in Ukraine. He noted that Russians and Ukrainians together opposed the Nazi regime in World War II. «Germany then committed a crime against both nations, both Russians and Ukrainians. With both decades, we have been striving for reconciliation. Now, however, Russian President (Vladimir) Putin wants to subjugate «Ukraine, to destroy its culture and identity. President Putin equates his barbaric offensive war with the fight against National Socialism. It falsifies history and it's vile. It is our duty to say this directly,» Scholz said. He noted that due to the historical past Germany can only be on the side of the attacked and support Ukraine. «To fail to do so is to capitulate to naked violence and strengthen the aggressor,» the Chancellor added.In Italy, a march was held against NATO intervention in the crisis in Ukraine. After that, he assured the Germans that in all efforts by Berlin to support Ukraine, the government would be guided by the principle of not harming Germany. «At the same time, we do not do everything that this or that requires of us. Because in my oath, I swore that they would prevent damage to the German people,» Scholz said. After that, he listed four principles that would guarantee this. «We will not take any decisions that will make NATO a participant in the war. My decision is unshakable. The fact that there should not be a world war, especially between nuclear powers, is also a lesson on May 8,» the chancellor said. Other principles he called the fact that Germany will not act alone, that Germany will not allow the Bundeswehr to reduce its combat effectiveness, that everything that Germany does with the allies will not harm them more than Russia. The Chancellor added that he did not know when the hostilities in Ukraine would end, but noted that confident that «Putin will not win the war, Ukraine will endure, freedom and security will win, as freedom and security triumphed 77 years ago against lack of freedom, violence and dictatorship.» «Contributing to this today means 'never again', in this testament of May 8,» Scholz said. «. China warned about the consequences of the expansion of the alliance
