District Administrator: "Russia blatantly violates international law".

He is appalled by the way the Ukraine conflict has escalated, especially in the last few hours: "Russia has blatantly violated all principles of international law tonight and launched a war of aggression against a sovereign state. This has clearly destabilised the existing security structure in Europe," Jürgen van der Horst is appalled by the war of aggression. "Specifically, I do not fear any immediate threat to Germany, but without a doubt the invasion marks a geopolitical turning point."

For the time after that - i.e. as of now - we now have to find new answers to the question of how to achieve security and stability in Europe and worldwide. "We are not currently in contact with our partner county in Russia on this issue," the district administrator continued. "However, our partnership with Pereslavl has led to friendships and mutual understanding over the past 30 years. It now remains to be seen how things will develop. But it is important to do everything possible to stop the military conflict and return to diplomatic negotiations."