Putin must withdraw the troops. This is the basis for negotiations – Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that any talks to end the war in Ukraine can only begin when Russian dictator Vladimir Putin realizes that he will not win.
Scholz expressed this opinion in an interview with Farid Zakaria from CNN.
— In my opinion, it is necessary for Putin to understand that he will not succeed with this invasion and his imperialist aggression – that he must withdraw the troops. This is the basis for negotiations, – said Scholz.
The chancellor added that he believes that Ukraine is ready for peace.
— If you look at the proposal of the Ukrainians, it is easy to understand that they are ready for peace. Something needs to be done. This should be done by Putin, – said Scholz.
Then the journalist asked the chancellor whether he would allow the conclusion of a peace agreement that would put an end to the war, but with a concession from Ukraine that it would not return Crimea or parts of the eastern region of Donbas. Scholz said that no decision will be made without the Ukrainian side.
— We will not make decisions for them. We support them, – he said.
On Friday, March 3, the chancellor met with US President Joe Biden in Washington. Both leaders highly appreciated the support of Ukraine by each other’s countries. Scholz also stated that Berlin will support Kyiv as long as necessary.
