O. Scholzas: some countries, including Ukraine, are considering how to sit at the negotiating table – Respublika.lt

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O. Scholz: some countries, including Ukraine, are considering how to sit at the negotiating table. EPA-Elta photo.

In an interview with the Märkische Allgemeine Zeitung, he recalled that Russia and Ukraine held direct talks when the full-scale war broke out, but they failed. According to the chancellor, this happened because the Kremlin was only using them to cover up the transfer of its troops to Donbass for a major offensive.

“Later, the mass killings in Bucha and Irpina came to light – incredible crimes committed by the Russian armed forces against the civilian population. This took away any basis for negotiations”, stressed O. Scholz.

He also reminded that during the war, negotiations were conducted regarding the grain corridor, security at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, and the exchange of prisoners of war.

“Some countries, including Ukraine, are currently discussing at the security advisor level how the peace process could begin.” But let me make one thing clear: Peace is possible at any time. Putin just needs to stop his barbaric campaign and withdraw the army,” the German chancellor said.

Commenting on the discussions regarding the supply of Taurus missiles to Ukraine, O. Scholz noted that he, as the head of the government, must take responsibility for issues of war and peace and security in Europe. “While we strongly support Ukraine, we will do everything possible to avoid an escalation of war, which is a war between Russia and NATO. We will not send our troops to Ukraine either. And as we discuss each arms shipment, we carefully weigh what it means in that context. That’s why I decided the way I did,” O. Scholz explained the situation.

At the same time, he noted that Germany supports Ukraine with weapons and ammunition more than any other European country. “We spend more than 28 billion euros on this alone. More than most other countries combined. And we’ll do it as long as it takes. This shows Putin that he shouldn’t just wait until everyone else stops providing support,” concluded O. Scholz.

UNIAN reminds that the Ukrainian authorities have long rejected the idea of ​​negotiations with Russia, as it would mean capitulation. But world leaders occasionally call for peace talks.