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Olaf Scholz. CNN frame

nGerman Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered a speech at an extraordinary meeting of the Bundestag on Russia’s attack on Ukraine. He called the Russian aggression a “turning point”, including in German policy.n

nThe chancellor confirmed that Germany would start supplying arms to Ukraine, as “Putin’s aggression left us no other choice.” On February 26, Scholz announced that Berlin would supply Ukraine with 1,000 anti-tank guns and 500 Stingers.n

nAccording to Scholz, sanctions against Russia in the event of continued aggression will increase, they “are not limited by any conceivable limits.”n

nThe chancellor said that Vladimir Putin wants to recreate the Russian Empire, and added that Europe cannot allow “this conflict between Putin and the free world to open old wounds and lead to new upheavals.” Scholz acknowledged that long-term security without Russia in Europe is impossible, but pointed out that “Putin will jeopardize that security for the foreseeable future.”n

nScholz announced that Germany would now spend on defense the equivalent of more than 2 percent of its GDP. This year, its federal budget will receive an additional 100 billion euros for “necessary investments and defense projects.” The military budget of the Bundeswehr for 2021 was 53 billion euros. Scholz assured that in matters of ensuring security within NATO, Germany fulfills its obligations without “ifs” and “buts.”n

nGermany will take measures to reduce dependence on Russian gas as soon as possible. In particular, two new terminals for receiving liquefied gas will be built.n

nGermany also closed its airspace to Russian aircraft. Now about 20 countries have joined the air blockade of Russia. As expected, such a decision will soon be taken by the entire EU.n

nBefore Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, Germany repeatedly stated that it would not supply weapons to Ukraine. On February 22, after Vladimir Putin announced his decision to recognize the “DPR” and “LPR”, the German government stopped the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .nn