German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has asserted that Germany will not back any truce proposal involving Kiev’s admission of defeat in the ongoing conflict with Russia. During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Scholz responded to questions about Germany’s role in the Russia-Ukraine crisis and potential ceasefire arrangements.
In my view, a ceasefire that involves Ukraine’s capitulation is one that we as Germany must never support,” Chancellor Scholz stated, according to Deutsche Welle. He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s truce terms essentially amounted to Ukraine’s surrender, calling the Kremlin “cynical” and uninterested in resolving the conflict.
Putin only talks about peace negotiations in order to continue the war. We will not allow this,” Scholz added. In recent developments, Putin had outlined several conditions before peace talks with Ukraine could commence. Moscow would call for a ceasefire if Kiev withdrew troops from the territories of all four regions that voted to join Russia and officially stated it no longer wished to join NATO.
The lifting of all Western sanctions and the “demilitarization and denazification” of the Ukrainian government were also prerequisites for peace, according to Putin’s demands. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had proposed a “quick ceasefire” during his visit to Kiev earlier this week; however, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly did not favor the suggestion.
Scholz was also questioned on whether Germany would commit itself as a party to the war amidst its substantial financial aid for Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions against Russia. Yes, I give this guarantee,” Scholz responded. As chancellor, I stand by that.
The recent poor performance in the European Parliament election by Germany’s ruling ‘traffic light’ coalition has raised concerns about Chancellor Scholz’s potential resignation in the near future. Despite facing criticism from those who disagree with Germany’s support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, Chancellor Scholz remains steadfast in his policy decisions.