After months of speculation, calculations, assessments and back-to-back diplomatic talks, Russia has begun invading Ukraine from land and sea. Let's take you through the events as they happened.

Zelensky likens attacks to Nazi Germany, orders maximum losses to aggressor

A day after Germany halted the crucial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, its economic minister said that it's possible that the pipeline can be completely shut down. These comments came after Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered troops into eastern Ukraine.

Germany halts key Nord Stream 2 project amid Russia-Ukraine crisis

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday that Germany has taken steps to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.

Germany halts approval of gas pipeline over Ukraine crisis

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that Germany has taken steps to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project from Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.

Germany halts Nord Stream 2 project amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

The Deutsche Bundesbank (German Federal Bank) has said that Germany may have entered its second recession since the pandemic began, as the omicron form caused record infections that slowed activity.

The central bank predicted Monday in its monthly report that output in Europe's largest economy may fall "noticeably" in the first quarter, after falling by 0.7 percent in the final three months of 2021.&nbsp;

"In contrast to previous waves of the pandemic, it’s not just the services sector that’s hit by restrictions and adapted behavior," the Bundesbank said.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-risk-dramatically-reduced-but-world-may-face-another-pandemic-bill-gates-455117">Also read | Covid risk 'dramatically reduced' but world may face another pandemic: Bill Gates</a>

Pandemic-related absences by workers will "markedly" hit activity in other areas too.

However, the rebound could be quick. According to a business survey released earlier Monday, private-sector activity grew at its quickest rate in six months in February, with manufacturers reporting fewer supply constraints.

According to the Bundesbank research, the economy should bounce significantly in the spring due to "extremely solid" demand, as long as supply-chain pressures ease further and the epidemic continues to retreat.&nbsp;

The Deutsche Bundesbank, literally "German Federal Bank", is the central bank of the Federal Republic of Germany and, as such, is part of the European System of Central Banks.&nbsp;

Germany is nearing the end of its most recent viral outbreak, which has proven to be less deadly than earlier rounds.

Because the government has decided to gradually relax limitations on public life, the economic loss may be temporary.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Deutsche Bundesbank (German Federal Bank) has said that Germany may have entered its second recession since the pandemic began, as the omicron form caused record infections that slowed activity.

The Deutsche Bundesbank (German Federal Bank) has said that Germany may have entered its second recession since the pandemic began, as the omicron form caused record infections that slowed activity. The central bank predicted Monday in its monthly report that output in Europe's largest economy may fall "noticeably" in the first quarter, after falling by 0.7 percent in the final three months of 2021. "In contrast to previous waves of the pandemic, it’s not just the services sector that’s hit by restrictions and adapted behavior," the Bundesbank said. Also read | Covid risk 'dramatically reduced' but world may face another pandemic: Bill Gates Pandemic-related absences by workers will "markedly" hit activity in other areas too. However, the rebound could be quick. According to a business survey released earlier Monday, private-sector activity grew at its quickest rate in six months in February, with manufacturers reporting fewer supply constraints. According to the Bundesbank research, the economy should bounce significantly in the spring due to "extremely solid" demand, as long as supply-chain pressures ease further and the epidemic continues to retreat. The Deutsche Bundesbank, literally "German Federal Bank", is the central bank of the Federal Republic of Germany and, as such, is part of the European System of Central Banks. Germany is nearing the end of its most recent viral outbreak, which has proven to be less deadly than earlier rounds. Because the government has decided to gradually relax limitations on public life, the economic loss may be temporary. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany tipped into second recession by virus: German Federal Bank

G7 foreign ministers met in Munich, Germany, and discussed the Russia-Ukraine crisis. U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined his international counterparts during the meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

G7 foreign ministers ‘gravely concerned’ on Russia-Ukraine crisis

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in Germany. He will be attending the Munich security conference and a ministerial meeting on indo-pacific issues.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Munich

The Munich security conference has kicked off at its traditional venue. The conference will be dominated by the Ukraine crisis as major Western powers have warned Russia against launching an invasion in its neighbouring Ukraine.

Germany hosts annual security conference in Munich, preventing a Russian invasion in focus

Germany has accused Russia of endangering Europe's security with demands that recall the cold war. These comments come as fears continue to grow that Russians are poised to invade their neighbouring nation Ukraine.

Germany accuses Russia of cold war demands before Munich security conference

Germany&nbsp;accused&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on Friday of endangering Europe's&nbsp;security&nbsp;with&nbsp;demands&nbsp;that recall the&nbsp;Cold&nbsp;War, as Western leaders arrived for a Munich&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Conference&nbsp;set to be dominated by the Ukraine crisis.

Fears are growing in the West that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is on the verge of invading its neighbour, with the United States warning of a possible attack in the "coming days".

Ahead of the annual, three-day&nbsp;conference's opening ceremony, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Moscow needed to show "serious steps towards de-escalation".

"With an unprecedented deployment of troops on the border with Ukraine and&nbsp;Cold&nbsp;War&nbsp;demands,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is challenging fundamental principles of the European peace order," Baerbock said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-begin-rolling-back-coronavirus-curbs-says-chancellor-scholz-453994">Germany to begin rolling back coronavirus curbs, says Chancellor Scholz</a>

Russian troops have all but encircled Ukraine during the Kremlin's stand-off with the West over NATO's expansion into eastern Europe.

Before&nbsp;travelling to Munich, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the United Nations to expect an offensive in the "coming days", likely preceded by a pretext to justify military action.

Some feared such a moment had arrived on Thursday, when a spike in shellings on the front line damaged an eastern Ukrainian kindergarten and Russian-backed separatists blamed Kyiv for escalating hostilities.

Russia&nbsp;has denied any invasion plans. But the Kremlin has also said it could be forced to respond militarily if Washington does not meet certain&nbsp;security&nbsp;demands.

Moscow has so far declined to attend the Munich gathering, but the United States said Blinken would meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov next week -- provided no invasion had occurred&nbsp;before&nbsp;then.

"It is a loss that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is not taking advantage of this opportunity," Baerbock said.

She added that the&nbsp;conference&nbsp;offered a chance "to discuss how we can still counter the logic of threats of violence and military escalation with the logic of dialogue".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-next-wonder-weapon-kedr-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-454013">Also read |&nbsp;Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

&nbsp;Evacuation plans

Also travelling to Munich are US Vice President Kamala Harris, UN chief Antonio Guterres, EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven club of rich nations -- including France, Britain, the US and Japan -- will discuss the Ukraine crisis on the&nbsp;conference&nbsp;sidelines Saturday.

The talks will be hosted by Baerbock, whose country currently holds the G7 presidency.

"Even tiny steps towards peace are better than big steps towards&nbsp;war. But we also need serious steps towards de-escalation from&nbsp;Russia," she said.

"Declarations of willingness to talk must be backed up by real offers to talk. Declarations of troop withdrawals must be backed up by verifiable troop withdrawals."

Moscow has made several announcements of troop withdrawals this week, but the United States, NATO and Ukraine all said they had seen no evidence of a pullback.

Instead, Washington says&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has moved 7,000 additional troops to near the Ukrainian border.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia, US spar at UNSC meeting on Ukraine crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-us-spar-at-unsc-meeting-on-ukraine-crisis-454183/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Citing "possible aggravation", Ukraine's armed forces announced late Thursday that evacuations were planned for some communities along the conflict-ridden border, particularly from the separatist-held city Donetsk.

Violence has ebbed and flowed along the eastern front line, where Kyiv has been locked in conflict with Moscow-backed rebels for almost eight years.

Following Thursday's artillery fire at the kindergarten, Ukrainian and Western leaders reiterated calls for&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;not to exploit the border tensions to launch its feared offensive.

President Vladimir Putin has made clear that the price for removing any threat would be Ukraine agreeing never to join NATO and for the Western alliance to pull back from a swath of eastern Europe, effectively splitting the continent into&nbsp;Cold&nbsp;War-style spheres of influence.

Ukraine is far from being ready to join NATO but has set this as part of a broader goal to integrate with the democracies of western Europe, making a historic break from&nbsp;Russia's orbit.

Germany accused Russia on Friday of endangering Europe's security with demands that recall the Cold War, as Western leaders arrived for a Munich Security Conference set to be dominated by the Ukraine crisis.

Germany accused Russia on Friday of endangering Europe's security with demands that recall the Cold War, as Western leaders arrived for a Munich Security Conference set to be dominated by the Ukraine crisis. Fears are growing in the West that Russia is on the verge of invading its neighbour, with the United States warning of a possible attack in the "coming days". Ahead of the annual, three-day conference's opening ceremony, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Moscow needed to show "serious steps towards de-escalation". "With an unprecedented deployment of troops on the border with Ukraine and Cold War demands, Russia is challenging fundamental principles of the European peace order," Baerbock said in a statement. Also read | Germany to begin rolling back coronavirus curbs, says Chancellor Scholz Russian troops have all but encircled Ukraine during the Kremlin's stand-off with the West over NATO's expansion into eastern Europe. Before travelling to Munich, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the United Nations to expect an offensive in the "coming days", likely preceded by a pretext to justify military action. Some feared such a moment had arrived on Thursday, when a spike in shellings on the front line damaged an eastern Ukrainian kindergarten and Russian-backed separatists blamed Kyiv for escalating hostilities. Russia has denied any invasion plans. But the Kremlin has also said it could be forced to respond militarily if Washington does not meet certain security demands. Moscow has so far declined to attend the Munich gathering, but the United States said Blinken would meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov next week -- provided no invasion had occurred before then. "It is a loss that Russia is not taking advantage of this opportunity," Baerbock said. She added that the conference offered a chance "to discuss how we can still counter the logic of threats of violence and military escalation with the logic of dialogue". Also read | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Evacuation plans Also travelling to Munich are US Vice President Kamala Harris, UN chief Antonio Guterres, EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven club of rich nations -- including France, Britain, the US and Japan -- will discuss the Ukraine crisis on the conference sidelines Saturday. The talks will be hosted by Baerbock, whose country currently holds the G7 presidency. "Even tiny steps towards peace are better than big steps towards war. But we also need serious steps towards de-escalation from Russia," she said. "Declarations of willingness to talk must be backed up by real offers to talk. Declarations of troop withdrawals must be backed up by verifiable troop withdrawals." Moscow has made several announcements of troop withdrawals this week, but the United States, NATO and Ukraine all said they had seen no evidence of a pullback. Instead, Washington says Russia has moved 7,000 additional troops to near the Ukrainian border. Watch | Russia, US spar at UNSC meeting on Ukraine crisis Citing "possible aggravation", Ukraine's armed forces announced late Thursday that evacuations were planned for some communities along the conflict-ridden border, particularly from the separatist-held city Donetsk. Violence has ebbed and flowed along the eastern front line, where Kyiv has been locked in conflict with Moscow-backed rebels for almost eight years. Following Thursday's artillery fire at the kindergarten, Ukrainian and Western leaders reiterated calls for Russia not to exploit the border tensions to launch its feared offensive. President Vladimir Putin has made clear that the price for removing any threat would be Ukraine agreeing never to join NATO and for the Western alliance to pull back from a swath of eastern Europe, effectively splitting the continent into Cold War-style spheres of influence. Ukraine is far from being ready to join NATO but has set this as part of a broader goal to integrate with the democracies of western Europe, making a historic break from Russia's orbit.

Germany accuses Russia of 'Cold War demands' before security conference

Germany said that the Telegram app is becoming a 'medium for Radicalisation' with private abuse happening in Telegram's public rooms.

Germany: Telegram app is becoming a 'medium for Radicalisation'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that the country will start rolling back Covid curbs in light of falling infection rates in the country. He said that the falling number of infections suggested that coronavirus wave due to Omicron variant has passed the peak. Scholz made the announcement after discussion with leaders of German states.

The three-step plan -- which includes allowing unvaccinated people back into shops and restaurants -- will see Germany reach its "freedom day" on March 20, as media have dubbed it.

"After two years we deserve for things to be better again and it looks like that's happening now," Scholz told reporters.

But he urged Germans to remain cautious and said they would have to keep wearing face masks. "The pandemic is not over," he said.

Germany is the latest European nation to attempt a return to more normality, two years after the pandemic first emerged and upended people's daily lives and routines.

As a first step, Germany will immediately drop a 10-person cap on private gatherings of people who are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.&nbsp;

For the unvaccinated however, the rule that they can only meet two people outside their household will remain in place for another month.

Access to non-essential shops will be open to all again, without checks on whether customers are vaccinated against the virus or not. Face masks will still be required, with high-protection FFP2 masks recommended.

From March 4, restaurants and hotels will be allowed to welcome the unvaccinated again, so long as they can provide a recent negative test -- a system known as 3G in Germany.

Nightclubs will reopen, but not for the unvaccinated. Everyone else will have to be boosted or provide a negative test -- the so-called 2G plus system.

The number of people allowed to attend large events including sports competitions, under 2G plus rules, will be increased.&nbsp;

In a final step, the remaining profound restrictions on social, cultural and economic life are to be gradually lifted by March 20.

That includes ditching the requirement for employees to work from home whenever possible.

After that date, Europe's top economy will rely on "basic protection measures", Scholz and regional leaders agreed, "in particular the wearing of medical masks" in indoor public venues and on public transport.

Social distancing is also set to be maintained.

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that the country will start rolling back Covid curbs in light of falling infection rates in the country. He said that the falling number of infections suggested that coronavirus wave due to Omicron variant has passed the peak.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that the country will start rolling back Covid curbs in light of falling infection rates in the country. He said that the falling number of infections suggested that coronavirus wave due to Omicron variant has passed the peak. Scholz made the announcement after discussion with leaders of German states. The three-step plan -- which includes allowing unvaccinated people back into shops and restaurants -- will see Germany reach its "freedom day" on March 20, as media have dubbed it. "After two years we deserve for things to be better again and it looks like that's happening now," Scholz told reporters. But he urged Germans to remain cautious and said they would have to keep wearing face masks. "The pandemic is not over," he said. Germany is the latest European nation to attempt a return to more normality, two years after the pandemic first emerged and upended people's daily lives and routines. As a first step, Germany will immediately drop a 10-person cap on private gatherings of people who are vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19. For the unvaccinated however, the rule that they can only meet two people outside their household will remain in place for another month. Access to non-essential shops will be open to all again, without checks on whether customers are vaccinated against the virus or not. Face masks will still be required, with high-protection FFP2 masks recommended. From March 4, restaurants and hotels will be allowed to welcome the unvaccinated again, so long as they can provide a recent negative test -- a system known as 3G in Germany. Nightclubs will reopen, but not for the unvaccinated. Everyone else will have to be boosted or provide a negative test -- the so-called 2G plus system. The number of people allowed to attend large events including sports competitions, under 2G plus rules, will be increased. In a final step, the remaining profound restrictions on social, cultural and economic life are to be gradually lifted by March 20. That includes ditching the requirement for employees to work from home whenever possible. After that date, Europe's top economy will rely on "basic protection measures", Scholz and regional leaders agreed, "in particular the wearing of medical masks" in indoor public venues and on public transport. Social distancing is also set to be maintained. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany to begin rolling back coronavirus curbs, says Chancellor Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Scholz’s meeting comes a day after he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow amid Ukraine tensions

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal&nbsp;states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs. Shoppers at non-essential stores may no longer have to show proof of negative Covid tests or proof of vaccination. &nbsp;

The draft also included plans to increase the number of people allowed at indoor private gatherings to 20 if all of them are vaccinated.

In a second phase of easing, night clubs could re-open and unvaccinated Germans would be allowed into restaurants from March 4, the draft showed.

A requirement to wear masks indoors and on public transportation is to remain in place.

Germany's expert panel said on Sunday that the government needed to put plans in place for easing curbs, given the current wave of infections was expected to flatten in the coming weeks, but it warned against loosening restrictions too soon.

"Thanks to the milder course of the disease, we are entering a new phase of the pandemic, which allows prospects for gradual opening," Hendrik Wuest, the prime minister of Germany's most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia, told Welt newspaper.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner also called on federal and state governments to decide on a comprehensive easing at their meeting on Wednesday, adding that there must be a "noticeable difference in everyday life" afterwards.

Coronavirus case numbers have slightly dropped in Germany, as the government plans to loosen coronavirus restrictions in Europe's biggest economy.

Germany reported 76,465 new daily coronavirus cases on Monday, down 20% from the same day last week. The 7-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also fell to 1,460 from 1,467 on Sunday.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is meeting heads of federal states on Wednesday. Reuters said citing a meeting draft that among possible steps is easing Covid curbs. Shoppers at non-essential stores may no longer have to show proof of negative Covid tests or proof of vaccination. The draft also included plans to increase the number of people allowed at indoor private gatherings to 20 if all of them are vaccinated. In a second phase of easing, night clubs could re-open and unvaccinated Germans would be allowed into restaurants from March 4, the draft showed. A requirement to wear masks indoors and on public transportation is to remain in place. Germany's expert panel said on Sunday that the government needed to put plans in place for easing curbs, given the current wave of infections was expected to flatten in the coming weeks, but it warned against loosening restrictions too soon. "Thanks to the milder course of the disease, we are entering a new phase of the pandemic, which allows prospects for gradual opening," Hendrik Wuest, the prime minister of Germany's most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia, told Welt newspaper. Finance Minister Christian Lindner also called on federal and state governments to decide on a comprehensive easing at their meeting on Wednesday, adding that there must be a "noticeable difference in everyday life" afterwards. Coronavirus case numbers have slightly dropped in Germany, as the government plans to loosen coronavirus restrictions in Europe's biggest economy. Germany reported 76,465 new daily coronavirus cases on Monday, down 20% from the same day last week. The 7-day infection incidence per 100,000 people also fell to 1,460 from 1,467 on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany plans comprehensive easing of Covid curbs 

The Russian Olympic Committee won the gold medal in the 4x5km relay at the Beijing Games on Saturday, with Germany beating off the superpowers of the sport to win a sensational silver for their first cross-country medal at an Olympics.

Sweden secured bronze as individual sprint champion Jonna Sundling bounced back from a poor third leg by Frida Karlsson to beat Finland's Krista Parmakoski in a sprint for third place.

The race will go down as one of the greatest Olympic days for Germany's women on the cross-country trails as they broke early along with the Russians and combined power and courage to hang on for a scarcely believable second place.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-are-russians-in-beijing-if-russia-is-banned-for-doping-452494">Why are Russians in Beijing if Russia is banned for doping?</a>

The four legs of the race were split, with the first two legs in the classic style and the second two freestyle, as each racer from the 18 teams completed two laps of the 2.5km track.

Norway's hopes suffered an early blow as Tiril Weng hit the deck following a collision with Latvian rival Patricija Eiduka, but her team managed to battle their way back into contention before falling away again late on.

The Russians took an early lead through Yulia Stupak, who led 12.9 seconds ahead of Sweden's Dahlqvist after her first lap. However, she was reined in by the unlikely figure of Katherine Sauerbrey of Germany by the first exchange as the Germans showed they were not here just to make up the numbers.

Sauerbrey's teammate Katharina Hennig made a surprise break midway through her second lap to leave Natalia Nepryaeva in her wake, building up a lead of 4.3 seconds at the second exchange, with the top seven teams all within 30 seconds of the leaders.

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explainer-what-is-trimetazidine-tmz-the-drug-at-the-centre-of-doping-drama-452398">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explainer-what-is-trimetazidine-tmz-the-drug-at-the-centre-of-doping-drama-452398">Explainer: What is trimetazidine (TMZ), the drug at the centre of doping drama</a>

The chasing pack was whittled down to three during the third leg, with Swede Frida Karlsson, Finland's Kerttu Niskanen and Norway's Helene Marie Fossesholm tightly bunched together.

None of them seemed to be able to find a pace that would bring the gap down to less than 20 seconds however.

That left ROC's Veronika Stepanova and Germany's Sofie Krehl locked in battle on the final lap, with Stepanova spurting away to victory by 18.2 seconds ahead of Krehl to claim the Olympic crown before Sundling sprinted down Parmakoski for the bronze.

The Russian Olympic Committee won the gold medal in the 4x5km relay at the Beijing Games on Saturday, with Germany beating off the superpowers of the sport to win a sensational silver for their first cross-country medal at an Olympics.

The Russian Olympic Committee won the gold medal in the 4x5km relay at the Beijing Games on Saturday, with Germany beating off the superpowers of the sport to win a sensational silver for their first cross-country medal at an Olympics. Sweden secured bronze as individual sprint champion Jonna Sundling bounced back from a poor third leg by Frida Karlsson to beat Finland's Krista Parmakoski in a sprint for third place. The race will go down as one of the greatest Olympic days for Germany's women on the cross-country trails as they broke early along with the Russians and combined power and courage to hang on for a scarcely believable second place. ALSO READ: Why are Russians in Beijing if Russia is banned for doping? The four legs of the race were split, with the first two legs in the classic style and the second two freestyle, as each racer from the 18 teams completed two laps of the 2.5km track. Norway's hopes suffered an early blow as Tiril Weng hit the deck following a collision with Latvian rival Patricija Eiduka, but her team managed to battle their way back into contention before falling away again late on. The Russians took an early lead through Yulia Stupak, who led 12.9 seconds ahead of Sweden's Dahlqvist after her first lap. However, she was reined in by the unlikely figure of Katherine Sauerbrey of Germany by the first exchange as the Germans showed they were not here just to make up the numbers. Sauerbrey's teammate Katharina Hennig made a surprise break midway through her second lap to leave Natalia Nepryaeva in her wake, building up a lead of 4.3 seconds at the second exchange, with the top seven teams all within 30 seconds of the leaders. ALSO READ: Explainer: What is trimetazidine (TMZ), the drug at the centre of doping drama The chasing pack was whittled down to three during the third leg, with Swede Frida Karlsson, Finland's Kerttu Niskanen and Norway's Helene Marie Fossesholm tightly bunched together. None of them seemed to be able to find a pace that would bring the gap down to less than 20 seconds however. That left ROC's Veronika Stepanova and Germany's Sofie Krehl locked in battle on the final lap, with Stepanova spurting away to victory by 18.2 seconds ahead of Krehl to claim the Olympic crown before Sundling sprinted down Parmakoski for the bronze.

Beijing Games: Russian Olympic Committee wins gold in 4x5 km cross-country skiing relay

Germany's Foreign Minister meets with Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett amid the ongoing Vienna talks to salvage Iran's Nuclear Deal.

German FM meets Israel's Prime Minister as 9th round of Nuclear deal negotiations underway in Vienna

Europe energy supplies are under further pressure as the German gas shortage hits record lows amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, Japan has offered gas to Europe.

Europe energy supplies are under further pressure as German gas shortage hits record lows

European capitals are buzzing with diplomacy as leaders race against time to defuse the stand-off near Ukraine. France, Germany and Poland have pledged to avert war at a trilateral summit in Berlin. Palki Sharma gets you a round-up of diplomacy week in Europe.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: European leaders pledge to avert war

Three days of intense diplomacy for French President Emmanuel Macron, he first met President Putin then he met President Zelensky and then finally other European leaders German chancellor Olaf Scholz and also the Polish President. The focus of all these meetings is to prevent war on Europe.

'Prevent war in Europe,' leaders of Germany, France & Poland meet on Russia-Ukraine crisis

The leaders of Germany, France and Poland on Tuesday urged Russia to pursue a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis during their meeting in Berlin. The joint request came after Germany, and France's leaders stepped up their diplomatic efforts amid rising tension between Russia and Ukraine in the last few days.

Ukraine Crisis: Leaders of Germany, France, Poland meet to prevent war in Europe

Germany is leading a NATO operation in Lithuania and has stationed around 500 soldiers there. Also, the German chancellor Olaf Scholz has offered a clarification on why Germany is not supplying weapons to the Ukraine.

Germany leads NATO operation in Lithuania, sends troops

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the world remembered millions of people, over six million of them, who were killed at the hands of the Nazi German regime in Europe during the second world war.

Holocaust memorial day: World commemorates victims

Six German men charged with involvement in a 2019 jewel heist at Poland's largest museum appeared in court in Dresden Friday.

According to the public prosecutor's office in Dresden, the suspects, aged 22 to 28, have been charged with aggravated theft and serious arson.

The suspects are believed to have broken into Dresden's Gruenes Gewoelbe (Green Vault) Museum during the early hours of Nov. 25, 2019, and stolen jewellery containing more than 4,300 diamonds valued at more than 113 million euros ($125.79 million).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/energy-inequality-plagues-the-world-us-causes-585-times-more-climate-emissions-than-congo-report-448543" hreflang="en">Energy inequality plagues the world; US causes 585 times more climate emissions than Congo: Report</a>

"The defendants allegedly prepared the crime meticulously," said Thomas Ziegler, a spokesman for Dresden district court.

According to him, investigators believe that the six had inspected the crime scene in advance. In order to gain access to the building as quickly as possible, the suspects sawed through a window grating and reattached it.

Prosecutors said in September the defendants had not shed any light on the charges against them.&nbsp;

The jewels, which included a sword with a diamond-encrusted hilt and a shoulder piece containing the famous 49-carat Dresden white diamond, are yet to be found, their whereabouts still remain a mystery.

A reward of 500,000 euros ($556,600) was offered to anyone who could provide information about the jewels' location.

According to Juergen Schmidt, a spokesperson for the Dresden prosecutor's office, there is no hot lead so far, but even if convicted, the defendants cannot be forced to testify in court in relation to the location of the treasures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-first-death-penalty-execution-in-the-united-states-this-year-a-2001-murderer-448447" hreflang="en">The first death penalty execution in the United States this year: a 2001 murderer</a>

Anja Priewe, a museum spokesperson, says that so far there are no signs that the jewellery sets were sold or destroyed.

"We hope that the renewed attention will lead to more insights...and more details will be revealed that will help locate the stolen jewels," Priewe said, adding that similar cases showed that it often takes a long time to solve them.

Nevertheless, some experts warn that the chances of recovering the stolen jewels are slim since the precious stones have likely been recut in the time since the theft.

If convicted four of the suspects could spend up to 15 years behind bars. The two youngest defendants, twins, could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in juvenile jail, Schmidt added. The defendants are all members of the same family.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Mystery diamond: black diamond, possibly from space, goes up for auction

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mystery-diamond-black-diamond-possibly-from-space-goes-up-for-auction-448579/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is expected that the trial will continue until the end of October. The suspects who are in custody are being represented by more than a dozen defence attorneys.

For their involvement in stealing the Big Maple Leaf, a 100-kg (220-pound) gold coin, worth 3.75 million euros, from Berlin's Bode Museum in 2017, two of the suspects were previously implicated and have already been sentenced to four and a half years in prison. The gold coin has not been found either.

The stolen Dresden collection was assembled in the 18th century by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and later King of Poland, who sought to rival France's King Louis XIV through commissioning ever more brilliant jewellery.

After Allied bombing raids in World War Two, the treasure was taken as booty by the Soviet Union. They were returned to Dresden, the historic capital of the state of Saxony, in 1958.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six German men charged with involvement in a 2019 jewel heist at Poland's largest museum appeared in court in Dresden Friday. According to the public prosecutor's office in Dresden, the suspects, aged 22 to 28, have been charged with aggravated theft and serious arson.

Six German men charged with involvement in a 2019 jewel heist at Poland's largest museum appeared in court in Dresden Friday. According to the public prosecutor's office in Dresden, the suspects, aged 22 to 28, have been charged with aggravated theft and serious arson. The suspects are believed to have broken into Dresden's Gruenes Gewoelbe (Green Vault) Museum during the early hours of Nov. 25, 2019, and stolen jewellery containing more than 4,300 diamonds valued at more than 113 million euros ($125.79 million). Also read | Energy inequality plagues the world; US causes 585 times more climate emissions than Congo: Report "The defendants allegedly prepared the crime meticulously," said Thomas Ziegler, a spokesman for Dresden district court. According to him, investigators believe that the six had inspected the crime scene in advance. In order to gain access to the building as quickly as possible, the suspects sawed through a window grating and reattached it. Prosecutors said in September the defendants had not shed any light on the charges against them. The jewels, which included a sword with a diamond-encrusted hilt and a shoulder piece containing the famous 49-carat Dresden white diamond, are yet to be found, their whereabouts still remain a mystery. A reward of 500,000 euros ($556,600) was offered to anyone who could provide information about the jewels' location. According to Juergen Schmidt, a spokesperson for the Dresden prosecutor's office, there is no hot lead so far, but even if convicted, the defendants cannot be forced to testify in court in relation to the location of the treasures. Also read | The first death penalty execution in the United States this year: a 2001 murderer Anja Priewe, a museum spokesperson, says that so far there are no signs that the jewellery sets were sold or destroyed. "We hope that the renewed attention will lead to more insights...and more details will be revealed that will help locate the stolen jewels," Priewe said, adding that similar cases showed that it often takes a long time to solve them. Nevertheless, some experts warn that the chances of recovering the stolen jewels are slim since the precious stones have likely been recut in the time since the theft. If convicted four of the suspects could spend up to 15 years behind bars. The two youngest defendants, twins, could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in juvenile jail, Schmidt added. The defendants are all members of the same family. Watch | Mystery diamond: black diamond, possibly from space, goes up for auction It is expected that the trial will continue until the end of October. The suspects who are in custody are being represented by more than a dozen defence attorneys. For their involvement in stealing the Big Maple Leaf, a 100-kg (220-pound) gold coin, worth 3.75 million euros, from Berlin's Bode Museum in 2017, two of the suspects were previously implicated and have already been sentenced to four and a half years in prison. The gold coin has not been found either. The stolen Dresden collection was assembled in the 18th century by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and later King of Poland, who sought to rival France's King Louis XIV through commissioning ever more brilliant jewellery. After Allied bombing raids in World War Two, the treasure was taken as booty by the Soviet Union. They were returned to Dresden, the historic capital of the state of Saxony, in 1958. (With inputs from agencies)

Trial opens in spectacular $125 million German museum jewel heist

The United States has threatened to halt the opening of Nord stream 2 gas pipeline if Russia invades Ukraine. However, Germany has said that it would not rule out imposing sanctions on the project.

Nord stream 2 could be axed if Russia invades Ukraine, warns US

Germany has sent 5,000 helmets to Ukraine amid the looming threat of a Russian invasion. Ukrainian officials have criticised the move as an absolute joke. What explains Germany's reluctance to help Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Germany sends helmets, Ukraine says it's a joke

In the face of a possible Russian invasion, Germany has refused to provide weapons to Ukraine. It has instead offered to send 5,000 helmets.

Germany offers to send 5,000 helmets instead of weapons to Ukraine amid possible Russian invasion

The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is at the centre of a disagreement between Germany and the US. How an $11-billion pipeline project connecting Germany and Russia has divided the West? WION tells you in this report.

Geopolitical drama over Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline

The tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been rising unabated. It seems to be the right time to deescalate before the situation leads to war. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Along with congratulating new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his appointment, US President Joe Biden on Friday spoke about various issues, including efforts needed to check military buildup by Russia near Ukraine, the White House said. &nbsp;

Ukraine&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;on Friday said that the opportunities of talks with Russia may come up as diplomatic efforts have been undertaken by the US to de-escalate tensions. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-human-rights-day-us-imposes-sanctions-on-myanmar-china-north-korea-435962" hreflang="en">On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea</a>

In a Twitter post, Biden, said, "Today, I spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to congratulate him on his appointment." &nbsp;

The White House said, “Biden reaffirmed his support for robust US-German relations and desire to further strengthen transatlantic cooperation." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The two leaders also discussed issues including "continued efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic, counter the threat of climate change and address Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine," it said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-abortion-providers-to-challenge-texas-law-in-federal-court-435920" hreflang="en">US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law in federal court</a>

Creating fears of a possible invasion, Moscow has increased the number of troops near Ukraine's border. &nbsp;

Zelenskyy, in an interview aired by Ukrainian TV channel 1+1 on Friday, said that ‘thanks to the US’, one more platform for talks with Russia may surface, along with the Normandy format, which involves France and Germany. &nbsp;

“I see the support for this path from both our European partners and the US," Zelenskyy said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been rising unabated. It seems to be the right time to deescalate before the situation leads to war. Along with congratulating new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his appointment, US President Joe Biden on Friday spoke about various issues, including efforts needed to check military buildup by Russia near Ukraine, the White House said.

The tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been rising unabated. It seems to be the right time to deescalate before the situation leads to war. Along with congratulating new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his appointment, US President Joe Biden on Friday spoke about various issues, including efforts needed to check military buildup by Russia near Ukraine, the White House said. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said that the opportunities of talks with Russia may come up as diplomatic efforts have been undertaken by the US to de-escalate tensions. Also Read: On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea In a Twitter post, Biden, said, "Today, I spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to congratulate him on his appointment." The White House said, “Biden reaffirmed his support for robust US-German relations and desire to further strengthen transatlantic cooperation." The two leaders also discussed issues including "continued efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic, counter the threat of climate change and address Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine," it said. Also Read: US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law in federal court Creating fears of a possible invasion, Moscow has increased the number of troops near Ukraine's border. Zelenskyy, in an interview aired by Ukrainian TV channel 1+1 on Friday, said that ‘thanks to the US’, one more platform for talks with Russia may surface, along with the Normandy format, which involves France and Germany. “I see the support for this path from both our European partners and the US," Zelenskyy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine-Russia tensions: Biden talks to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow

January 27 is marked as a Holocaust Remembrance Day across the globe. A day to honour and remember 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis in World War 2. The day marks the liberation of the Auschwitz prisoners by the soviet army in 1945.

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust

The United States and its NATO allies are moving to bulk up their military commitments in the Baltics and Eastern Europe as the standoff with Russia over Ukraine deepens.

Denmark is sending fighter jets to Lithuania and a frigate to the Baltic Sea. France has offered to send troops to Romania. Spain is sending a frigate to the Black Sea. President Joe Biden has put thousands of U.S. troops on “high alert.”

And then there is Germany. In recent days, Germany — Europe’s largest and richest democracy, strategically situated at the crossroads between East and West — has stood out more for what it will not do than for what it is doing.

No European country matters more to European unity and the Western alliance. But as Germany struggles to overcome its post-World War II reluctance to lead on security matters in Europe and set aside its instinct to accommodate rather than confront Russia, Europe’s most pivotal country has waffled in the first crucial test for the new government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Germany’s evident hesitation to take forceful measures has fueled doubts about its reliability as an ally — reversing the dynamic with the United States in recent years — and added to concerns that Moscow could use German wavering as a wedge to divide a European response to any Russian aggression.

Biden held a video call with European leaders Monday night, saying it went “very, very, very” well, and beforehand Scholz reiterated that Russia would suffer “high costs” in case of a military intervention. But Germany’s allies have still been left to wonder what cost it is prepared to bear to confront possible Russian aggression.

“Within the European Union, Germany is crucial to achieve unity,” said Norbert Röttgen, a senior conservative lawmaker and advocate of a more muscular German foreign policy. “Putin’s goal is to split the Europeans, and then split Europe and the U.S. If the impression prevails that Germany is not fully committed to a strong NATO response, he will have succeeded in paralyzing Europe and dividing the alliance.”

As Russia held military drills near the Ukrainian border Tuesday, Scholz met with President Emmanuel Macron of France in Berlin, warning Moscow that “a military aggression calling into question the territorial integrity of Ukraine would have grave consequences.”

But the German government has not only ruled out any arms exports to Ukraine, it is also holding up a shipment of nine communist-era howitzers from Estonia to Ukraine.

Scholz and other senior Social Democrats in his government and party have been vague about whether shuttering the controversial Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany would be part of an arsenal of possible sanctions against Russia, insisting it was a “private-sector project” and one “separate” from Ukraine.

Friedrich Merz, the designated new leader of Angela Merkel’s opposition conservative party, meanwhile, has warned against excluding Russian banks from the Swift payment transactions network that handles global financial transfers because it would “harm” Germany’s economic interests.

Germany’s muddled stance has been especially unsettling to Ukraine and its eastern neighbors. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Berlin of effectively “encouraging” Russian aggression. Other were no less scathing.

“Berlin is making a big strategic mistake and putting its reputation at risk,” Laurynas Kasčiūnas, chair of the national security committee of the Lithuanian Parliament, told public broadcaster LRT.

Artis Pabriks, Latvia’s defense minister, said these days German deterrence was “not sending weapons to Ukraine, but a field hospital.”

The strain in the alliance came to a head this past weekend, when the chief of the German navy said President Vladimir Putin of Russia deserved “respect” and that Crimea would “never” be returned to Ukraine. Vice Adm. Kay-Achim Schönbach resigned, but the backlash was swift and emotional.

“This patronizing attitude subconsciously also reminds Ukrainians of the horrors of the Nazi occupation, when Ukrainians were treated as subhuman,” said Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany.

Washington has been at pains to publicly stress its trust in Berlin, while privately lobbying Scholz to take a harder line.

Biden sent several emissaries to Berlin. William J. Burns, head of the CIA, presented Scholz with the latest intelligence on Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who stopped in Berlin before meeting his Russian counterpart in Geneva last week, said Sunday he had “no doubts” about Germany’s determination to stand up to Russia.

“It is telling that the U.S. has to publicly reaffirm its trust in Germany,” Jana Puglierin of the Berlin-based European Council on Foreign Relations said. “That used to be a given.”

The wrenching debate over where precisely German loyalties lie is not new. Russian-German relations have been shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange but also two World Wars. The Cold War added yet another layer of complexity: West Germany became firmly embedded in the Western alliance while East Germany lived under Soviet occupation.

“Why do we see Russia differently from the Americans? History,” said Matthias Platzeck, chair of the Russian-German Forum and a former chair of Scholz’ Social Democrats. “Germany and Russia have been linked for a thousand years. The biggest Russian czarina was Catherine the Great, a German, who incidentally made Crimea part of Russia.”

“We attacked Russia twice, and the second time it was a genocidal war,” he added. “Twenty-seven million Soviets died, 15 million Russians among them.”

That does not mean that Germany has failed to stand up to Russia in recent years. Germany commands a multinational NATO battle unit in Lithuania and helps monitor Baltic airspace for Russian interference. It is planning to send fighter jets to Romania next month to do the same there. (And yes, it is also sending a field hospital to Kyiv, Ukraine, next month.)

In 2014, when Putin invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea, it was Merkel who rallied neighboring countries in East and West to back tough sanctions on Russia.

But the change of German leadership after 16 years with Merkel at the helm has put in place a government that is divided on how hard a line to draw with Russia.

Scholz’s Social Democrats have traditionally favored a policy of working with the Russians. In the 1970s, Chancellor Willy Brandt engineered the policy of rapprochement with Moscow during the Cold War, while the last Social Democratic chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, is not just a close friend of Putin (he celebrated his 70th birthday with him) but has been on the payroll of Russian energy companies since 2005.

The new Green Party foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, has been more outspoken on being tougher on Russia. But even she has drawn a line on sending German arms to Ukraine, citing “history.”

The arms-export policy in many ways embodies the modern German paradox of a nation that knows it has to assume more leadership responsibility in the world but is not quite ready to act that way.

“The idea that Germany delivers weapons that could then be used to kill Russians is very difficult to stomach for many Germans,” said Marcel Dirsus, a political analyst and nonresident fellow at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University in Germany.

The government has been even more divided over Nord Stream 2, a gas pipeline owned by Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy company, that many fear will hand Putin an easy way to exert influence over America’s European allies.

Russia is Europe’s main supplier of natural gas. Once Nord Stream 2 is operational, Gazprom would be able to sell additional gas to European customers without paying transit fees to Ukraine.

Championed by Merkel in 2015, a year after Russia first invaded Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 has long inflamed Washington and European capitals alike.

While the Green Party's Baerbock has not been shy about expressing her hostility toward the project, Merkel and Scholz have defended it on economic and energy security grounds and long ruled out using it as leverage in talks about sanctions.

It was only last week, standing next to the NATO general secretary, that the chancellor shifted his language, saying that “everything” would be on the table in case of a Russian invasion.

“Putin gave NATO a new reason to exist,” Dirsus said. “Who knows, maybe he can teach the Germans once and for all that the world has changed and they need to be prepared to pay to defend peace.”

The United States and its NATO allies are moving to bulk up their military commitments in the Baltics and Eastern Europe as the standoff with Russia over Ukraine deepens.

The United States and its NATO allies are moving to bulk up their military commitments in the Baltics and Eastern Europe as the standoff with Russia over Ukraine deepens. Denmark is sending fighter jets to Lithuania and a frigate to the Baltic Sea. France has offered to send troops to Romania. Spain is sending a frigate to the Black Sea. President Joe Biden has put thousands of U.S. troops on “high alert.” And then there is Germany. In recent days, Germany — Europe’s largest and richest democracy, strategically situated at the crossroads between East and West — has stood out more for what it will not do than for what it is doing. No European country matters more to European unity and the Western alliance. But as Germany struggles to overcome its post-World War II reluctance to lead on security matters in Europe and set aside its instinct to accommodate rather than confront Russia, Europe’s most pivotal country has waffled in the first crucial test for the new government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Germany’s evident hesitation to take forceful measures has fueled doubts about its reliability as an ally — reversing the dynamic with the United States in recent years — and added to concerns that Moscow could use German wavering as a wedge to divide a European response to any Russian aggression. Biden held a video call with European leaders Monday night, saying it went “very, very, very” well, and beforehand Scholz reiterated that Russia would suffer “high costs” in case of a military intervention. But Germany’s allies have still been left to wonder what cost it is prepared to bear to confront possible Russian aggression. “Within the European Union, Germany is crucial to achieve unity,” said Norbert Röttgen, a senior conservative lawmaker and advocate of a more muscular German foreign policy. “Putin’s goal is to split the Europeans, and then split Europe and the U.S. If the impression prevails that Germany is not fully committed to a strong NATO response, he will have succeeded in paralyzing Europe and dividing the alliance.” As Russia held military drills near the Ukrainian border Tuesday, Scholz met with President Emmanuel Macron of France in Berlin, warning Moscow that “a military aggression calling into question the territorial integrity of Ukraine would have grave consequences.” But the German government has not only ruled out any arms exports to Ukraine, it is also holding up a shipment of nine communist-era howitzers from Estonia to Ukraine. Scholz and other senior Social Democrats in his government and party have been vague about whether shuttering the controversial Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline from Russia to Germany would be part of an arsenal of possible sanctions against Russia, insisting it was a “private-sector project” and one “separate” from Ukraine. Friedrich Merz, the designated new leader of Angela Merkel’s opposition conservative party, meanwhile, has warned against excluding Russian banks from the Swift payment transactions network that handles global financial transfers because it would “harm” Germany’s economic interests. Germany’s muddled stance has been especially unsettling to Ukraine and its eastern neighbors. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Berlin of effectively “encouraging” Russian aggression. Other were no less scathing. “Berlin is making a big strategic mistake and putting its reputation at risk,” Laurynas Kasčiūnas, chair of the national security committee of the Lithuanian Parliament, told public broadcaster LRT. Artis Pabriks, Latvia’s defense minister, said these days German deterrence was “not sending weapons to Ukraine, but a field hospital.” The strain in the alliance came to a head this past weekend, when the chief of the German navy said President Vladimir Putin of Russia deserved “respect” and that Crimea would “never” be returned to Ukraine. Vice Adm. Kay-Achim Schönbach resigned, but the backlash was swift and emotional. “This patronizing attitude subconsciously also reminds Ukrainians of the horrors of the Nazi occupation, when Ukrainians were treated as subhuman,” said Andriy Melnyk, Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany. Washington has been at pains to publicly stress its trust in Berlin, while privately lobbying Scholz to take a harder line. Biden sent several emissaries to Berlin. William J. Burns, head of the CIA, presented Scholz with the latest intelligence on Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who stopped in Berlin before meeting his Russian counterpart in Geneva last week, said Sunday he had “no doubts” about Germany’s determination to stand up to Russia. “It is telling that the U.S. has to publicly reaffirm its trust in Germany,” Jana Puglierin of the Berlin-based European Council on Foreign Relations said. “That used to be a given.” The wrenching debate over where precisely German loyalties lie is not new. Russian-German relations have been shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange but also two World Wars. The Cold War added yet another layer of complexity: West Germany became firmly embedded in the Western alliance while East Germany lived under Soviet occupation. “Why do we see Russia differently from the Americans? History,” said Matthias Platzeck, chair of the Russian-German Forum and a former chair of Scholz’ Social Democrats. “Germany and Russia have been linked for a thousand years. The biggest Russian czarina was Catherine the Great, a German, who incidentally made Crimea part of Russia.” “We attacked Russia twice, and the second time it was a genocidal war,” he added. “Twenty-seven million Soviets died, 15 million Russians among them.” That does not mean that Germany has failed to stand up to Russia in recent years. Germany commands a multinational NATO battle unit in Lithuania and helps monitor Baltic airspace for Russian interference. It is planning to send fighter jets to Romania next month to do the same there. (And yes, it is also sending a field hospital to Kyiv, Ukraine, next month.) In 2014, when Putin invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea, it was Merkel who rallied neighboring countries in East and West to back tough sanctions on Russia. But the change of German leadership after 16 years with Merkel at the helm has put in place a government that is divided on how hard a line to draw with Russia. Scholz’s Social Democrats have traditionally favored a policy of working with the Russians. In the 1970s, Chancellor Willy Brandt engineered the policy of rapprochement with Moscow during the Cold War, while the last Social Democratic chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, is not just a close friend of Putin (he celebrated his 70th birthday with him) but has been on the payroll of Russian energy companies since 2005. The new Green Party foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, has been more outspoken on being tougher on Russia. But even she has drawn a line on sending German arms to Ukraine, citing “history.” The arms-export policy in many ways embodies the modern German paradox of a nation that knows it has to assume more leadership responsibility in the world but is not quite ready to act that way. “The idea that Germany delivers weapons that could then be used to kill Russians is very difficult to stomach for many Germans,” said Marcel Dirsus, a political analyst and nonresident fellow at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University in Germany. The government has been even more divided over Nord Stream 2, a gas pipeline owned by Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy company, that many fear will hand Putin an easy way to exert influence over America’s European allies. Russia is Europe’s main supplier of natural gas. Once Nord Stream 2 is operational, Gazprom would be able to sell additional gas to European customers without paying transit fees to Ukraine. Championed by Merkel in 2015, a year after Russia first invaded Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 has long inflamed Washington and European capitals alike. While the Green Party's Baerbock has not been shy about expressing her hostility toward the project, Merkel and Scholz have defended it on economic and energy security grounds and long ruled out using it as leverage in talks about sanctions. It was only last week, standing next to the NATO general secretary, that the chancellor shifted his language, saying that “everything” would be on the table in case of a Russian invasion. “Putin gave NATO a new reason to exist,” Dirsus said. “Who knows, maybe he can teach the Germans once and for all that the world has changed and they need to be prepared to pay to defend peace.”

Where is Germany in the Ukraine standoff? Its allies wonder.

germany

Germany, News on Germany, stories on Germany, articles on Germany, Germany stories at Wion, Germany news, Germany latest news