Putin has said that Moscow does not want war and demanded surety that Ukraine will not join NATO
The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow does not want war in Europe and demanded surety that Ukraine will not join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
His remarks cam after holding talks with the Chancellor of Germany – Olaf Scholz. Putin said he has been informed by the Western powers that Ukraine will not join NATO in the near future. However, he warned that was not a satisfactory assurance.
This was Scholz’ first visit to Russia as the Chancellor of Germany. During the talks, the 2 leaders substantively and thoroughly discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and prospects for their development. They also focused on the most pressing items on the international agenda.
Speaking to media, Putin said, “We need to resolve this question now … [and] we hope very much our concern will be heard by our partners and taken seriously.”
He further said, “[And] As for war in Europe … about whether we want it or not? Of course not. That is why we put forward proposals for a negotiation process, the result of which should be an agreement on ensuring equal security for everyone, including our country.”
Taking it to twitter, Scholz tweeted (translated to English), “I made it clear to President #Putin in Moscow that we Germans and Europeans can only achieve sustainable security with and not against Russia. Courageous action is needed from us all. We have an imperative duty to work for peace.”
Germany is Russia’s second biggest foreign trading partner after China. Despite the difficulties caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and volatility in global markets, by the end of 2021, mutual trade grew by 36% and reached almost U.S. $ 57 billion. German investment in the Russian economy exceeds U.S. $ 21 billion and Russian investment in Germany amounts to U.S. $ 10 billion. About 4,000 companies co-owned by German investors operate in Russia.
Putin also said energy is an important part of bilateral economic cooperation. Russia has been supplying gas to Germany and other European countries since 1970s. Presently, Russia provides over 1/3rd of Germany’s energy needs. In 2021, Germany received 50.7 billion cubic metres of Russian gas. Talking of Nord Stream 2, Putin said that Russia will continue to distribute gas through Ukraine even after 2024 when the current contract ends.
Russia and Germany are also working in closer cooperation on issues of preserving the climate. They will develop methods to monitor the emission and absorption of substances that have a direct impact on climate change. They will work towards improvement of technology for reducing carbon dioxide and methane emissions. They also discussed development of bilateral scientific, educational and cultural exchanges.
