German Chancellor Scholz rejected Zelensky’s call to shoot down missiles and drones over Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for allies to shoot down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine.

Scholz made the statement at a press conference following the European Political Community summit in the United Kingdom, as reported by Deutsche Welle (DW).

Scholz also opposed Zelensky’s call to lift restrictions on using Western-supplied weapons for strikes on Russian territory. When asked if he agreed with other NATO countries regarding Zelensky’s appeals, Scholz said:

“I see a consensus that such steps are out of the question, and the United States has also spoken very clearly on this matter.”

President Zelensky participated in the European Political Community summit on July 18, urging partners to bolster Ukraine’s air defense and remove restrictions on striking Russia with the weapons provided to Ukraine. He reiterated that all airfields from which Russia attacks Ukraine should be destroyed.