The defence ministry has also demanded the imposition of sanctions over Ukraine against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his entourage
German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht did not explicitly reject the possibility of sending German troops to Ukraine.
“We must exhaust all possibilities of diplomacy and economic sanctions. And all next steps need to be discussed in close coordination in the (NATO) alliance”, – Lambrecht told Bild am Sonntag when asked if the Bundeswehr was ready to send soldiers to Ukraine to support the country.
Lambrecht expressed concern about the situation around Ukraine and the alleged deployment of Russian troops near its borders, saying she could “very well understand Ukraine’s fears”.
“So my first (overseas) trip on Sunday will be to Lithuania to visit the NATO rapid reaction force to get an idea of how the soldiers see the situation”, – Lambrecht declared.
She added that she considers Russia to be the “aggressor” in the situation with Ukraine.
“We have to use every opportunity to achieve détente. This includes threats of harsh sanctions”, – she said.
Asked whether Nord Stream 2 could be part of the sanctions package, Lambrecht said that “all the tools we have must be used”.
The minister said it was necessary to focus on Putin and his entourage at the moment.
“Those who are responsible for the aggression need to feel the personal consequences. For example, the fact that they will not be able to go shopping on the Champs Elysees in Paris.”