US warns Ukraine invasion could play out at any point | DW News

The German chancellor and the head of NATO on Tuesday urged Russia to de-escalate amid fears that Moscow may be planning an invasion of Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke after the pair met in Berlin to discuss the perceived threat of a conflict.

Scholz said Germany and NATO expected Russia to ease the situation on the border with Ukraine by, for example, reducing the number of troops there. He said both agreed that Russia would face severe political and economic consequences if there was an invasion. "It is clear that there will be a high price to pay and that everything will have to be discussed should there be a military intervention in Ukraine," Scholz said. Stoltenberg said NATO allies were keen to engage with Russia on any concerns that it may have, urging Russia to join talks. "The risk of a conflict is real," Stoltenberg said. "NATO allies call on Russia to de-escalate. We encourage Russia to reverse its decision to cut diplomatic ties with NATO." Moscow has stationed about 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine, something the West has interpreted as preparation for invasion in order to force NATO to make concessions on on issues like the possible accession of Ukraine into the bloc.

In 2008, NATO offered Ukraine the prospect of joining, without, however, fixing any time frame.

Follow DW on social media:
#Ukraine #Russia #NATO

[Frogmad]

it's sad how a few thousand people are constantly playing with the lives of whole planet like it's some sick game. and the people just allow it.

[sophieedel]

*Germany* : "It's just terrible what is happening in Ukraine"
*also Germany* : "To our dear friend Putin. Thank you for the gas, we are making good progress with our Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Don't worry too much about Ukraine, we already blocked the sales of weapons to Ukraine several times, our economy is all that counts."

[FriendofOnas]

"I don't know what that means" thank you for this man

[farticlesofconflatulation]

Marta is a true patriot. She appears to have a comfortable life and stable employment and would risk it all for her country. God bless this woman!

[johnhopkins]

Citizen Soldiers in Ukraine... real patriots, not poseurs.

[SV-yfet]

It's ridiculous how biggest EU country is so dependant on Russian gas. Germany doesn't have it's own liquid natural gas terminal and that puts Russia in a superior position. Germany is too afraid to do anything that the bear wouldn't like.

[suzettewilliams]

Ukrainians obviously has nerves of steel. I'd be terrified. Plus the lady that joined the reserve at 51, absolutely brilliant. All of the volunteers, defending their country, I'm hoping you don't have too, but if you do, bravo.

[Lesminster]

"Yes, we gathered our troops near a border of that country because we want to invade it" said no leader ever. Duh.

[Andrei-ldgw]

If this happens, this would enable China with Taiwan. It could be a domino effect

[MichaelHarto]

Russia: "really? Surely it's not real" **hides tanks in bushes**

[rogenjosh]

That female reservist is astonishingly impressive. I hope she doesn't have to use the skills that she's accumulated but I see she's ready to fight, coming on a news network openly proves that. I wish her luck whatever way things go. She is a warrior

[VoltageLP]

I didn't expect Germany to align itself with russia in a situation like this. Seem they no longer have any shame for what they did to Ukraine 80 years ago. That's sad.

[hyu]

I amassed my troops near the borders too before attacking when playing Civilization 4 because I want to take the enemy's capital quickly 😁

[jebbo-cl]

its a joke Europe doesnt have a seat at the negotiating table. They need to cooperate more and become a military power, not just an economic power

[TheCookieRave]

German government did not even let the UK use their air space to help transport Anti-Tank missiles to Ukraine. When will Germany uphold all these important 'European Values' they always take pride in?

[trendingnews]

Hope there will be peace all over the world.

[emirgonul]

I salute Marta for preparing to stand up for her homeland but it's highly dangerous to show details of her identity like face, home etc. hoping it's staged for her sake.

[TheWebstaff]

Cancel your nuclear power and move to Gas, there won't be any problems..
Well done Germany.

[scoobydoobers]

To be fair, just having patriotic citizens helping get simple tasks done behind the lines is useful. If they are capable of protecting themselves from light attack all the better.
Similar to the home guard during WW2 in the UK.

[carlmcgregor]

If you want to question the volunteer troops effectiveness, just look at the French resistance fighters in WW2. They are fighting for their lives and freedom.