BERLIN: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for increased diplomatic efforts to expedite peace in Ukraine as the war enters its third year. His appeal comes amid rising domestic pressure and public fatigue over the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In an annual summer interview with public broadcaster ZDF, Scholz emphasized the need to explore ways to end the war sooner. “I believe that now is the time to discuss how we can get out of this war situation and achieve peace more quickly,” he stated.
Scholz’s remarks follow significant gains by the far-right AfD and far-left BSW parties in recent regional elections in Germany, which have increased pressure on his coalition government. Despite these challenges, Germany remains the second largest donor of aid to Ukraine, after the United States, and Scholz’s government has committed to maintaining this support.
Scholz suggested that Russia should be included in the next international peace summit, after being excluded from the first one held in Switzerland in June. “It’s important that we make progress,” Scholz said. He and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agree that Russia’s participation is crucial for meaningful results.
The first summit, organized by Ukraine, saw leaders from over 90 countries convene, while Russia was not invited. Kyiv aims to hold a second summit this year, with Zelensky advocating for Russia’s involvement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently expressed willingness to engage in talks, following his previous rejection of negotiations during Ukraine’s counter-offensive. However, the Kremlin insists that any peace agreement must include concessions from Kyiv, which Ukraine finds unacceptable.
