“We are in a situation of a threat of a military conflict, a war in Eastern Europe, and Russia is responsible for this,” he said.
The German president personally addressed Russian leader Vladimir Putin and urged him to work together to find a way to guarantee peace in Europe.
“I can only warn President Putin: do not underestimate the power of democracy... Untie the noose around the neck of Ukraine!
Join us in the search for a way to preserve peace in Europe!”
Steinmeier added.
According to Der Spiegel, among 1472 delegates in the presidential election, he received 1045 votes, gaining an absolute majority.
The federal president of the country can be re-elected once and, therefore, can remain in office for no more than ten years.