German chancellor warns of 'far-reaching' sanctions against Russia

In the event of Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine, sanctions against Moscow would be "far-reaching" and tough, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in an interview with ARD television before his first visit to the United States .

Scholz's answers and the channel's questions are cited by Focus Online.

The journalist asked several questions about sanctions against Russia, highlighting the role of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Scholz himself did not mention the gas pipeline in his answers.

Asked why Berlin should not use the gas pipeline as "political leverage" to force Moscow to withdraw its troops from the border with Ukraine, Scholz replied that he was discussing possible sanctions with the EU and the US.

“These will be very far-reaching, very tough sanctions, if necessary. Although yes, at present, all our efforts are aimed at preventing the need for sanctions and the need for their application, ”Scholz assured.