Russian forces’ withdrawal from Ukraine base for Russia talks - Scholz

That’s according to an interview that the chancellor gave CNN, Ukrinform reports citing Politico.

“To my view, it is necessary that Putin understands that he will not succeed with his invasion and his imperialistic aggression and that he has to withdraw troops. This is the basis for talks,” said Scholz.

The German chancellor acknowledged that the year-old Russia-Ukraine war had settled into a stalemate that is inflicting a tremendous amount of damage on Ukraine. At the same time, he said he would not press Kyiv to go for compromises that are unacceptable to Ukrainians.

“There will be no decisions without the Ukrainians,” Scholz said, saying Putin had clearly misjudged “the strength of Ukraine” as well as the “unity” of “all the friends of Ukraine” in challenging the Russian invasion, which began in February 2022.

“It is very difficult to judge what will be the next things to happen in Ukraine, but there is something which is absolutely clear: We will continue to support Ukraine with financial, humanitarian aid but also with weapons,” Scholz added.

The German chancellor also spoke well of U.S. President Joe Biden and his leadership during the current international crisis. “He is very informed about international relations,” Scholz said. “I think he’s one of the most skilled presidents knowing how things are running in the world, which is important in times that are becoming more dangerous.”

As Ukrinform reported earlier, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in an address to the Bundestag said Germany would help Ukraine achieve a just peace and is discussing with partners future security guarantees for Ukraine.

Photo: dpa