German Chancellor Scholz Welcomes Putin's Commitment to Ukraine Ceasefire

German Chancellor Scholz Welcomes Putin's Commitment to Ukraine Ceasefire

In Brussels, ahead of a European leaders' summit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with journalists. He welcomed Russia's commitment to a limited ceasefire by halting attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, calling it a first step. However, he emphasized that this must now translate into reality and lead to a permanent ceasefire.

Scholz further stated that European Union member states would continue to provide political and military support to Ukraine, ensuring that Kyiv maintains a strong position in peace negotiations. He said, "It is extremely important for us that Ukraine remains an independent, sovereign, and democratic nation, and continues its path toward the European Union. At the same time, even after a peace agreement, Ukraine must maintain its strong military power. We must ensure these outcomes."