German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has assured Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Germany’s continued support in a call.
He noted on X, “We will continue our military support for Ukraine in close coordination with our European and international partners.”
He added, “I agreed with Zelenskyy that we will remain in contact – also with a perspective to possible paths to a just peace.”
In the call, Zelenskyy thanked Olaf Scholz for the defense support for Ukraine, which totals €12 billion, and particularly for the leadership in strengthening air defense – both through German air defense systems and by consolidating partner assistance.
The leaders discussed further defense cooperation, including the possibility of joint weapons production and enhancing the capabilities of Patriot and IRIS-T systems.
The Chancellor assured that Germany would continue providing defense support to Ukraine and shared details of his phone conversation with Vladimir Putin.
The conversation between Putin and Scholz took place on November 15, 2024. This conversation was the first direct communication between Scholz and putin in almost two years.
A news agency reported, citing an anonymous source within the Ukrainian presidential office that Zelenskyy had attempted to persuade Scholz to avoid speaking with the Russian President just one day prior.
Zelenskyy criticized Scholz’s call to Putin, calling it a Pandora’s box and a weakening of the Russian dictator’s isolation.
According to information published on the official German government website, no subsequent discussions have taken place between Scholz and Zelensky since November 15, 2024.
Also in the call, Zelenskyy stated that the “Russian dictator” is not interested in ending the war and uses every international contact to spread threats and ultimatums.
He asserted that only Ukraine’s strong position can force him to abandon his intentions.
Zelenskyy and Scholz also discussed the possibility of meeting both bilaterally and with other European leaders to coordinate joint actions.
“It is important that the pressure on Russia increases and that Ukrainian positions strengthen, because this is what will force Russia to make real peace.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin disclosed in a press conference that his recent phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was mostly dedicated to Ukraine and that both parties stuck to their guns where that was concerned.
“As for my conversation with the Chancellor, it was quite a long one. The focus was on Ukraine.
“However, I believe there was nothing surprising in it for us both. He clarified his position and I reiterated mine. We stuck to our positions on the issue.”
Vladimir Putin
The Russian President also noted that the conversation touched upon bilateral relations as well. “We glossed over them briefly. Still, the dialogue lays the ground for future talks,” he said.
German Foreign Minister To Visit China
Separately, German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, will travel to China next week, where she will meet her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to discuss issues including the war in Ukraine.
According to a ministry Spokesperson, further political talks are also planned, adding that Baerbock will also meet German business representatives in the country.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry had already announced the visit by the Green Party politician.
The smouldering trade conflict with China is likely to be another topic of discussion at the meeting with Wang.
The EU accuses Beijing of distorting competition through subsidies and decided in October to impose extra tariffs on Chinese electric cars. China is considering countermeasures that could affect German carmakers.
From Beijing, Baerbock is due to travel to Brussels for a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers on Tuesday and Wednesday. The main topic of discussion there will be further support for Ukraine.
Other topics will include the threat posed by hybrid attacks, Russia, and Moscow’s ever-closer cooperation with China, North Korea and Iran, said a German Foreign Office spokesman.
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