Ol'af Scholz and Volodymyr Zelenskyy: A telephonic peace plea on the brink of a power shift
Scholz makes a swift phone call to Selenskyj near the end of his current term. - German Chancellor Scholz has a telephone conversation with Zelenskyy, shortly before Zelenskyy's term concludes.
In the final hours of his term, Ol'af Scholz made a telephone call to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During this conversation, Scholz emphasized the Ukrainian president's eagerness for a 30-day ceasefire, underscoring that it signified Ukraine's resolute yearning for peace above all. Scholz, speaking through his spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, further criticized Putin for his manipulative stall tactics and relentless aggression.
Scholz lauded Zelenskyy for their close and trusting alliance, praising his valorous leadership in the face of Russian belligerence. Hebestreit added that the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people were not only acknowledged but admired by Scholz, who had witnessed these qualities firsthand during his visits to Kyiv during the turbulent times of 2022 and 2024.
Solidifying Germany's commitment, Scholz assured Zelenskyy that, working alongside European and international partners, Germany would continue to stand unwaveringly by Ukraine. Hebestreit underscored that Scholz's tenure as Chancellor had been profoundly impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its devastating consequences.
As preparations were underway for a grand military salute to honor Scholz at the Ministry of Defense in Berlin on Monday evening, the Bundestag was set to elect Friedrich Merz (CDU) as the new Chancellor on Tuesday.
Throughout this final conversation, Scholzreminded Zelenskyy of Germany's constant and unflinching solidarity with Ukraine, a commitment that would be sustained, regardless of the change in leadership.
- Olaf Scholz
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Steffen Hebestreit
- Ukraine
- Germany
- Political Transition
Enrichment Data:- Continued Support: Scholz assured Zelenskyy of Germany's unwavering support to Ukraine during the conflict, with assistance being provided in collaboration with European and international allies for as long as necessary.- Criticism of Putin: Scholz implicitly rebuked Putin for his cynical maneuvers that impede attempts to end the war, highlighting Zelenskyy's readiness for a ceasefire as a reflection of Ukraine's genuine quest for peace.- Appreciation for German Support: Zelenskyy appreciated Germany's crucial role in aiding Ukraine during the conflict, acknowledging Scholz's pivotal contributions, including the seminal "Zeitenwende" speech and substantial military aid deliveries.- Transition in Leadership: The phone call occurred on Scholz's last day as Chancellor, ahead of Friedrich Merz's inauguration as the new Chancellor, known for his pro-Ukrainian sentiments.
- Olaf Scholz thanked Volodymyr Selenskyj for their close and trusting alliance during their final telephone conversation before the end of his term of office.
- Recognizing the importance of continued support, Scholz assured Selenskyj that Germany, working alongside European and international partners, would continue to stand unwaveringly by Ukraine during the war-and-conflicts.
- During the conversation, Scholz emphasized the Ukrainian president's eagerness for a 30-day ceasefire, underscoring that it signified Ukraine's resolute yearning for peace above all.
- Steffen Hebe, the SpD spokesman, spoke on behalf of Scholz, criticizing Putin for his manipulative stall tactics and relentless aggression, and praised Zelenskyj for his valorous leadership.