Germany: West is 'well-prepared’ if it comes to the worst – gov spox on Russia-Ukraine tension

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Government representatives commented on the ongoing talks between Germany and its allies during a press conference in Berlin on Friday, regarding growing fears that Russia could invade Ukraine.

When asked whether the West was prepared for the worst, Federal Government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann replied, “These talks have been going on for a few days and weeks, the Federal Government is in very close consultation, and yes, it is well prepared.”

Hoffman also announced that the Normandy Format was the preferred approach in resolving the tensions saying, “I am speaking here on behalf of the Federal Government, and I can say quite clearly that the Federal Government considers Normandy to be one of the central formats in which the situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border and the conflict in eastern Ukraine are discussed with Russia.”

Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Andrea Sasse reminded the press of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s speech from yesterday when she met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, regarding mutual support among allies.

“There is still very, a very strong agreement between all Western partners in the EU on the topic of Russia and Ukraine. You could see that yesterday during the press conference of Foreign Minister Baerbock, from her speech at this press conference, and especially with the consultations in the QUAD format.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Geneva for bilateral talks earlier today.

SOUNDBITES:

SOT, Christiane Hoffmann, German government spokesperson (German): “Concerning the Normandy Format; at the time being it is at the advisory level, and further work is being done to plan an advisor-level meeting in the Normandy Format.”

SOT, Christiane Hoffmann, German government spokesperson (German): “Yes, we are aware of the fact that friendly nations act differently or see this question differently than the Federal Government. I can add that NATO also provides Ukraine with comprehensive and varied support and that the various alliance members conduct their bilateral cooperation with Ukraine in different forms. I don’t know if they do this too.”​

SOT, Andrea Sasse, Press spokesperson of Foreign Ministry (German): “Perhaps I can add once again, so as not to create a false impression, that independently of arms deliveries, there is still very, a very strong agreement between all Western partners in the EU on the topic of Russia and Ukraine. You could see that yesterday during the press conference of Foreign Minister Baerbock, from her speech at this press conference and especially with the consultations in the QUAD format, which I just mentioned and took place yesterday. I can tell you once more that the unity we have on the fundamental issue of Russia Ukraine is clear. As far as arms deliveries are concerned, you and Mrs Hoffmann also mentioned it, referred to the statements made by the Foreign Minister. Among other things, she spoke again on the subject yesterday at the press conference with her US counterpart, and I must refer you to her statement at this point.”

SOT, Andrea Sasse, Press spokesperson of Foreign Ministry (German): “I hope you will understand that I cannot comment on the sanctions in detail or on the discussions surrounding the issue of sanctions. Because the point is, of course, that we are currently considering together with all partners which measures against Russia would be the most effective economic and political leverage. And if we were to publicly discuss individual measures now, that would practically go against this discussion.”

SOT, Christian Hoffmann, German government spokesperson (German): “I am speaking here on behalf of the Federal Government, and I can say quite clearly that the Federal Government considers Normandy to be one of the central formats in which the situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border and the conflict in eastern Ukraine are discussed with Russia.” *PAN SHOT AT SOURCE*

SOT, Journalist (German): “Do you think the West is well prepared if the worst comes to the worst or will the discussion entails what measure will be set on the table?”

SOT, Christiane Hoffmann, German government spokesperson (German): “These talks have been going on for a few days and weeks, the Federal Government is in very close consultation and yes, it is well prepared.”

Video ID: 20220121-039

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