Germany on Saturday called on its citizens to leave the Eastern European country immediately. The reason is the more than 130,000 Russian soldiers standing ready to the north, east and south of the former Soviet satellite state. “There will only be peace if the border is not moved,” said German Chancellor Oliver Scholz, who visited opponent Putin in Moscow last week.
‘Shield’
Zelensky also demands a direct meeting with the Russian president. The Ukrainian head of state accuses Putin of a ‘cynical game’. Zelenski pointed out that the military conflict, which flared up in eastern Ukraine in 2014, has “been going on longer than World War II.”
Zelensky spoke in Munich with, among others, his German colleague Scholz.
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“Ukraine has been a shield for eight years. For eight years, Ukraine has held back one of the largest armies in the world,” said Zelensky, who wants Europe to take a tougher stance on Moscow. “I don’t know what the Russian president wants. That is why I suggest that we meet.”
‘Citizens run to the banks’
The president is demanding a clear timetable from the NATO military alliance for Ukraine to join. He compared the military aid Ukraine has received so far to “a cough syrup instead of a good vaccine.”
The former actor is angry that the permanent threat is “destroying my country’s economy.” He warns that his citizens are “running to the banks.” And investors would be deterred by the uncertainty. “We hear every day that a Russian invasion will take place. But we are left alone.”
‘Unparalleled sanctions’
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for dialogue in Munich with penetrating words. During war, “Russian parents would also cry for their sons.” After a “generation of freedom” there might be “a generation of bloodshed.” Johnson threatens to confiscate property of high-ranking Russian people and impose heavy sanctions against Russian companies.
US Vice President Kamala Harris said in the Bavarian capital: “If Russia moves further into Ukraine it will lead to important and unparalleled sanctions.” Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki said Moscow wants to tear the EU apart: “We need to wake up from our geopolitical midday slumber.”