In a speech to the country on Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his policy in Ukraine, stating that Germany will assist Kyiv but will not give in to every demand.

Scholz said Germany and its partners have imposed unprecedented sanctions on Moscow, sent weaponry to Ukraine, and given asylum to Ukrainians in the unique format televised nationally.

“At the same time we won’t simply do everything that one or the other demands,” he said.

“Because I swore in my oath when taking office that I would prevent Germans from suffering any harm.”

Scholz stressed that Germany’s response will always be coordinated with Western allies.

He also added that Berlin “will not undertake anything that will hurt ourselves and our partners more than Russia”.

Scholz did not spell out what his government would not agree to.

But he has been under pressure for what critics say are delayed decisions on sending heavy weapons to Ukraine.

Germany has also stated that due to its reliance on Russian gas supply, it is unable to agree to a comprehensive gas embargo.

And there have been mounting calls for the chancellor to visit Kyiv personally as a gesture of support.