Chancellor Olaf Scholz has again threatened Russia with tough sanctions in the crisis with Ukraine, but at the same time underpinned the offer for dialogue.
"In the event of a military escalation, we are ready for very far-reaching and effective sanctions in coordination with our allies," said the SPD politician on Monday at a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev.
"If Russia violates Ukraine's territorial integrity again, we know what to do," Scholz said.
At the same time, the Chancellor said: "We are ready for a serious dialogue with Russia on European security issues." Germany supports corresponding proposals by NATO and the USA.
Now an answer is expected from Russia.
Scholz asked Moscow to use the existing offers for dialogue.
Germany will advocate close coordination with Ukraine.
Russia is expected to take “clear steps to de-escalate the current tension,” said Scholz.
It is clear to the German government that further military aggression against Ukraine would have serious political, economic and geostrategic consequences for Russia.
He will also emphasize this on Tuesday in Moscow, said the Chancellor.
Scholz thanked Ukraine "for its level-headed and reserved reaction to a very difficult and also threatening situation, which it has been dealing with with a sense of proportion for many weeks".
He encouraged Kiev to continue this responsible policy.
"Our common goal is to avoid an escalation," emphasized Scholz.
To do this, we work closely with allies and partners.
Zelenskyi said his family will stay in Kiev.
There are no plans to bring them to western Ukraine or out of the country.
He also made it clear that his country wanted to remain a member of NATO and the European Union.
Scholz said that the question of membership in alliances is currently not pending.
Ukraine's ambassador in London had previously hinted that his country might forgo NATO membership to avert war.