German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged to prepare for the fact that he will have to help Ukraine for a long time, he said about this in an interview published on Thursday by the Milanese newspaper Corriere della Sera.
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“We don’t know when this war will end. But one thing is clear: President (RF) Putin has the ability to end it immediately by ceasing hostilities and withdrawing troops. This could be followed by negotiations for a just peace between Ukraine and Russia, as long ago offers Kiev,” he said, accusing Moscow of upholding “maximum imperialist demands.”
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“Therefore, we must prepare for the fact that we will have to help Ukraine for a long time. And we will support Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace. To this end, we are conducting intensive exchanges with Ukraine and many other countries of the world,” Scholz said.
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According to the chancellor, so far it is about “helping Ukraine defend itself.” “The main goal is a just peace and an end to this terrible war, which brings so much suffering and destruction,” he stressed.
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As for the situation that will arise after the end of the conflict, Scholz pointed out the need for specific commitments from partners and allies of Ukraine to strengthen its security. “We are already discussing this with Ukrainian politicians and our closest allies,” he said.
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“Ukraine belongs to the European family. We are determined to support it on its path to joining the EU. It is clear to everyone that accession to the European Union can only happen after the accession criteria are met. The EU must also fulfill its tasks in order to be able to accept new members,” Scholz stated.
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Scholz will visit Rome on Thursday, during which he will meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister George Meloni.
