Scholz: "One or two conversations with Putin are not enough."

Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz stated in an interview with T-online that Putin has suffered a defeat in Ukraine on all fronts.

“He wanted to conquer all of Ukraine and establish a puppet regime, he aimed to prevent further rapprochement with the European Union and weaken NATO as a whole, but he has failed to execute his plan,” the Chancellor said.

“And today: NATO has two new members – Sweden and Finland. They are all massively investing in their defense capabilities, and nearly all NATO countries have reached the target of 2% (of GDP – ed.). Ukraine is a stable state and is on the path to joining the European Union. It possesses a strong army, equipped by us, which is heroically defending itself against Putin's forces,” he emphasized.

Now, the focus is on creating the foundation for a just and sustainable peace, added the head of the German government.

When asked about the phone call with Putin, the Chancellor noted that he used this conversation to unequivocally convey to Putin that the war must end.

“I made it clear to him that he cannot expect our support for Ukraine to weaken. Germany's military assistance alone amounts to 28 billion euros. After the United States, we are the strongest supporter of Ukraine in the world. It was important for me that Putin also heard my vision of the war,” Scholz said.

He also added that he is willing to speak with Putin again and again.

“Some people walk around Germany claiming that one or two conversations are sufficient. Russia is waging a brutal and merciless aggressive war against Ukraine, resulting in hundreds of thousands dead and injured. We must do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine is not left alone and remains a sovereign state,” the Chancellor stated.

When asked about negotiations regarding international peacekeepers who could ensure a further ceasefire, Olaf Scholz remarked