Scholz: Risk of Russia using nuclear weapons has diminished, for now

The likelihood of Russian President Vladimir Putin using nuclear weapons in his war in Ukraine has declined in response to international pressure, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a Thursday (8 December) interview.

Although the war was still going on with "undiminished violence", Scholz stated to Funke media that one thing had changed in his first year as president.

"Russia has stopped threatening nuclear weapons use." In response to the international community's red line."

Germany's leader said that despite deep divisions it was important to continue dialogue with the Kremlin,

Putin said on Wednesday (7 December) that there was a rising risk of nuclear war, but he insisted Russia hadn't "gone mad", and that Russia saw its nuclear arsenal as a defensive deterrent.

Funke said that Scholz interviewed him on Monday (5 December), and that Scholz's quotes were authorized Wednesday afternoon.

Scholz stated that Putin must stop the war, but that he would talk to Russia afterward about arms control in Europe. He also said this was something that had been offered before the war.

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Scholz stated that Germany had been a major supporter of Ukraine's independence from the United States. This was in addition to providing weapons supplies.

"We are doing all we can to avoid a direct conflict between Russia and NATO." He stated that such a conflict would only result in losers, all over the globe.

Scholz stated that he expects Europe's largest economy to weather the winter without any problems and to continue to be a strong, successful industrial nation despite its dependence on Russia.

"We are making the necessary decisions now to be independent long-term. He stated that we aim to become completely climate neutral and produce our energy without any natural gas, oil, or coal by 2045.

When asked if he would run for Chancellor again in the next election he replied: "Of course".

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