German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed cautious optimism about a peace conference for Ukraine to be held in Switzerland later this month.
“We will discuss principles for a just and lasting peace there,” Scholz said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin on Tuesday.
“These are not yet negotiations to end the war, because that would require (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to show that he is willing to end his brutal campaign and withdraw troops,” Scholz said.
“But perhaps a way can be found to initiate a process in which Russia will one day also have a seat at the table,” Scholz added.
The German Chancellor emphasized that only Ukraine will decide when to deal with Russia and that it will not be forced into major concessions by its supporters. Germany will remain firmly on the side of the Ukrainians, he said.
As long as Putin continues to pursue his war objectives, “our message will therefore be that we will not give up our support for Ukraine,” Scholz said.
