BERLIN (Reuters). German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated Tuesday that no one could presume Russia wouldn’t attack other countries due to its violations of international law in Ukraine. Germany also said it would support Finland, Sweden and Finland if NATO was formed.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine violated the post-World War Two order, Scholz claimed. This statement was made to media by Scholz along with the prime ministers for Sweden and Finland Magdalena Andersson as well as Sanna Marina.

Both leaders were present at the German Cabinet’s two-day retreat to Schloss Meseberg in the north, where they discussed Europe’s security status.

The invasion by Russia of Ukraine has been described as a “specially military operation” and Finland and Sweden were looking at joining NATO, which would represent a major shift in policy for the Nordic countries.

Scholz stated, “No one can assume the Russian President and Government will not at other times violate international law with violence.”

Scholz stated in an interview with Stern magazine that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been imperialistic in his policy and that Russia considered its neighboring countries to be Russia’s backyard.

He stated that he wanted to increase his territory and make violence at the borders. “He desperately wants to reestablish Russia’s former significance in a changing world.”

Putin said that Putin wanted to take part in the capture of eastern and south Ukraine. This would allow him to create a new line of contact there which could eventually lead to an end to war.

He said, “That won’t be a sustainable resolution.” Putin should make an agreement with Ukraine.

Marin stated that Finland has credible defense capabilities and an unwavering will to defend itself.

She stated that “We have kept a strong, modern conscript arm which is capable of operating and prepared to act with NATO.”