Scholz says Russia will pay bitter price for "Putin's war"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gives statement on Ukraine at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, February 24, 2022. Michael Kappeler/Pool via REUTERS

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Thursday western sanctions would ensure Russia paid a "bitter price" for its attack on Ukraine and make it clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made a "serious mistake".

"Putin is bringing suffering and destruction to his direct neighbours, he is violating the sovereignty and borders of Ukraine," Scholz told reporters in Berlin.