Direct Talks with Putin is ‘Absolutely Necessary’, says German Chancellor
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, June 20, 2022
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told news agency dpa that it is “absolutely necessary” for leaders to talk directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
“It is absolutely necessary to speak to Putin, and I will continue to do so — as the French president will also,”
“There are some countries needed, and some leaders needed, that speak to him — and it is necessary that they are clear,” Scholz told dpa.
Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have held several telephone conversations with Putin since Russia’s invasion in Ukraine began on Feb. 24, drawing some criticism to their decision.
Scholz has stated that they have to find a ‘common approach’ with Putin, and that he is optimistic about managing this particular situation.
He told the media that his message is that “you have to withdraw your troops and you have to find an agreement with Ukraine which is acceptable and right for the people of Ukraine.”
The Chancellor also stated that he wants to use next week's meeting with fellow G-7 leaders in the Bavarian village of Elmau to discuss Ukraine's long-term prospects in support of the country:
"We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary," "We want to make sure that Russian President Vladimir Putin's calculations do not work out."
Olaf Sholz called Putin’s hopes in Ukraine war and his expectation of Europe’s reaction an ‘illusion’:
"Putin obviously hopes that everything will fall into place once he has conquered enough land and the international community will return to business as usual," he added. "That is an illusion."
