Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed concern over German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying it could weaken international efforts to isolate Russia and achieve a just peace in Ukraine.
A “Pandora’s Box” of Negotiations
In his evening address, Zelenskiy described the call as a “Pandora’s box” that might encourage further dialogue with Putin. “This is precisely what Putin has been waiting for: a chance to weaken his isolation and engage in talks that achieve nothing,” Zelenskiy said.
Scholz urged Putin to begin peace talks with Kyiv to lay the foundation for a “just and lasting peace,” according to a German government spokesperson. This marked their first conversation since December 2022 amid the ongoing war.
Ukraine’s Stand on Negotiations
Kyiv remains firm that Russia has no genuine intention to negotiate peace. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine needs strong security guarantees before considering any ceasefire, to prevent future Russian aggression.
He highlighted past negotiations involving Russian-backed paramilitaries in eastern Ukraine, which he argued allowed Moscow to stall while preparing for further conflict. “These talks gave Russia time to avoid meaningful change, ultimately leading to this war,” Zelenskiy added.
Germany’s Role as an Ally
Germany has been a key supporter of Ukraine, providing significant financial aid and weapons, second only to the United States. However, Berlin’s reluctance to supply long-range Taurus cruise missiles has frustrated Kyiv, especially as Ukraine faces nightly drone attacks and a sustained Russian offensive along the front lines.
During the hour-long call, Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine and demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops. However, the Kremlin described the call as “extremely positive” and insisted that any peace agreement must consider Russian security concerns and the “new territorial realities” resulting from its occupation of Ukrainian regions.
International Concerns About U.S. Policy
The call comes amid growing uncertainty about U.S. support for Ukraine following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory. Trump has promised to end the war quickly, though without providing details. This has raised fears in Europe that his approach could reduce critical assistance to Ukraine or pressure Kyiv into accepting unfavorable peace terms.
Kremlin’s Stance
Putin reiterated his conditions for ending the conflict, which include Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions and withdrawing from the four regions Russia partially occupies. Kyiv has categorically rejected these demands, equating them to capitulation.
1,000 Days of War
As Ukraine approaches 1,000 days since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, its cities endure nightly drone attacks, and Russian forces continue to push on multiple fronts. For Zelenskiy, international unity remains essential to counter Moscow’s aggression and secure a fair resolution to the conflict.
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