German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock defended the decision against a no-fly zone over Ukraine, fearing a further escalation of Russia's war of aggression, Die Zeit reported.

"It would mean that we would be directly involved in this war," Berbock said on the ARD channel, Die Zeit reported Monday.

She explained that if Russia violates the no-fly zone, NATO would have to shoot down Russian planes.

Berbock pointed out that everyone is responsible for ensuring that this war does not lead to World War III.

"Another extension of this war to Poland, the Baltic states - we can't take responsibility for that," Berbok noted.