German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz has rejected any easing of sanctions on Russia, saying recent developments have shown that Moscow is “currently not interested in real peace.”
Speaking to reporters in Paris after a summit of European leaders on Ukraine, Scholz stressed that stopping sanctions at this time would be a “serious mistake.”
“The sanctions must continue and be further developed. Europe and the US must take a clear stand together. It makes no sense at all to end the sanctions until peace has actually been achieved, and unfortunately, we are still a long way from that, as you can see.”
Olaf Scholz
Scholz affirmed that Germany and its allies would maintain their support for Ukraine while ceasefire negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow continue.
“We have seen how the negotiations have gone so far, and Russia has added new demands after each round. This clearly demonstrates that Russia is currently not interested in real peace.”
Olaf Scholz
He also called for heightened pressure on Moscow to accept the ceasefire offer on the table.
He criticised Moscow for “always adding” conditions to what is discussed, making him conclude that Russia “is not currently interested in real peace.”
Similarly, UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said that there was “complete clarity” at the meeting that “now is not the time for lifting of sanctions.”
“Quite the contrary, what we discussed is how we can increase sanctions to support the US initiative, to bring Russia to the table through further pressure from this group of countries.”
Keir Starmer
Starmer remarked that it was a “very constructive” meeting. “There was absolute clarity that Russia is trying to delay [peace], is playing games, and we have to be absolutely clear about that,” he added.
He added that the leaders agreed that there was need for more support for Ukraine to make sure Ukraine is in the “strongest possible position, both now and in further negotiations.”
He revealed that the meeting also discussed further its “military and operational” plans to support any ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, “whether on land, in the air or at sea.”
“What came out was strong from the meeting was so many countries standing, as they’ve stood for over three years now, with Ukraine in this crucial moment for as long as it takes for.”
Keir Starmer
Leaders Committed To Security Guarantees For Ukraine
Leaders gathered in Paris for a “coalition of the willing” summit to discuss military support and security guarantees for Ukraine.
The talks aimed to strengthen Ukraine’s position in negotiations with Russia and ensure that Europe has a voice in shaping a potential peace agreement.
French President, Emmanuel Macron said earlier during a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President that the objective is to allow Ukraine to “keep the situation on the ground and resist the Russian aggression, while building credible elements for a lasting peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk were among the leaders who arrived at the summit at the Elysee Palace.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also took part in the meeting, which brings together around 30 delegations.
This is the third such summit since the new US administration shifted the Ukraine policy and began direct negotiations with Russia without European participation.
