Western sanctions against Russia, according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, are hurting his country and other allies.
He insisted, however, that Europe and its allies would pay the price because freedom, democracy, and solidarity with friends and partners all come at a cost.
During a speech at the Federation of German Industries’ Annual Meeting on Tuesday, he promised that Germany would continue to support Ukraine, according to CNN.
“Unprecedentedly tough sanctions” were imposed on Russia. “These sanctions do work. Yes, these sanctions are hurting ourselves as well. They hurt our companies, but they are right,” Scholz said.
“Freedom has its price. Democracy has its price. Solidarity with friends and partners has its price. And we are prepared to pay this price,” Scholz said.
Scholz said his trip to Irpin near Kyiv last Thursday made clear to him that Ukraine belonged to the European family.