Scholz cautions Russia of the consequences should it decide to invade Ukraine

Scholz cautions Russia of the consequences should it decide to invade Ukraine. 

BERLIN: Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned Russia of “serious” both political and economic consequences if it intensifies its military aggression towards Ukraine as well as stating that Germany along with its closest allies open to dialog with Moscow and desired peace.

With Russia conducting drills for the military throughout Belarus at sea in the Black Sea following its troop increase close to Ukraine, The standoff has raised the prospect of conflict in Europe and sent energy prices rising across the continent, which is dependent on Russian gas imports.

“What is in the balance at present is not less than stopping the outbreak of conflict in Europe. We are in favor of the peace of Europe,” Scholz told reporters in a conference with Baltic state officials at Berlin on Thursday. He called for Russia to stop escalating.

“Further military attack of Russia against Ukraine could have serious strategic, economic, and political implications to Russia,” he said. “At all times, we’re prepared for serious discussions with Russia and an open dialogue about European security concerns.”

The Kremlin is defying accusations made by U.S. and its allies the United States and its allies that it was plotting to invade its neighbor.

MORE: Russia is holding exercises during Belarus amid West warns of dangers.

Scholz has met Estonian PM Kaja Kallas, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausea as well as Latvian Prim Minister Krisjanis Karins, leaders of the Baltic States who want Germany to be a more prominent participant in the efforts of the NATO alliance for military strength to improve defenses in the fight against Russia within Eastern Europe.

The leaders talked about “real assistance to Ukraine” in terms of financial, economic and “moral” assistance, Nausea said in a video message after the meeting.

“Scholz is extremely knowledgeable of the current situation and takes into consideration the dangers that are emerging near the Ukrainian border, and is sure to see how they relate to Security in the Baltic region,” Nauseda said.

Prior to the meeting, Latvian Premier Minister Karins demanded Germany play “a prominent role in leading NATO and the European Union and NATO through these challenging times.”

“Our primary focus is supporting Ukraine,” said Kallas. “De-escalation should not be done in the form of a gun and at the expense of Ukraine.”

Scholz faces pressure from the United States to halt a pipeline that is being constructed to deliver Russian gas into Germany in the event of the possibility of a Russian military attack on Ukraine.

Scholz has not spoken about any aspect of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project in relation to the possible consequences Russia will be facing. He has previously stated that all possibilities were available.