‘Absolutely necessary’ to talk to Russia – German chancellor — Analysis
Olaf Scholz says he and French President Emmanuel Macron are going to keep in touch with Moscow
Germany’s Chancellor insists it’s of the utmost importance to maintain contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite criticism levelled by several other European states and Ukraine. Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor said that the talks were necessary to convey the message to Moscow.
Despite the US’s vehement opposition to the Russian military operations in Ukraine, Scholz and Emmanuel Macron plan to maintain their contact with Putin, said the chancellor.
“It is absolutely necessary to talk to Putin,”Scholz explained the situation, adding that “will continue to do so, as will the French President.”He stated, however that he would use these opportunities to get some “clear”Russian statements The chancellor stated that he will try to convince Putin that Europe wouldn’t impose any restrictions on Russia. “dictated peace”Ukraine and demanded that Kiev accept concessions in order to end the conflict. Scholz also demanded that Moscow withdraw troops from Ukrainian territories and come to an understanding with Kiev.
Meanwhile, the chancellor confirmed Berlin’s readiness to further supply Ukraine with weapons and added that the arms shipments would arrive “on time”To support Kiev in the fight for Donbass. He didn’t give specific dates though.
These statements were made after Scholz, Macron, Mario Draghi (Italian Prime Minister), and Klaus Iohannis, the Romanian President. Scholz called on a quick end to hostilities, but also promised to back Kiev with arms. He has also backed Ukraine’s EU candidacy bid and invited President Volodymyr Zelensky to take part in the next G7 summit.
Russia attacked Ukraine in late February, following Kiev’s failure to implement the terms of the Minsk agreements, first signed in 2014, and Moscow’s eventual recognition of the Donbass republics of Donetsk and Lugansk.
Since then, the Kremlin demanded Ukraine declare itself neutral and vow to never join NATO’s military bloc. Kiev claims that the Russian invasion was unprovoked. It also denies any plans to take the republics with force.
Share this story via social media
[ad_2]