German Chancellor Scholz reassures Ukraine of unwavering support in a final conversation with Zelensky.
Berlin: Outgoing Chancellor Scholz Assures Solidarity With Ukraine, Urges Stronger Support from Successor Merz
In a last-ditch call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Olaf Scholz, stepping down as German Chancellor on Tuesday, reiterated his nation's unwavering solidarity with Ukraine amidst Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Scholz's spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, stated that the outgoing leader reaffirmed Germany's continued support for Ukraine, acknowledging that the nation will continue its assistance as needed—a collaborative endeavor with European and international partners.
Germany has emerged as the second-largest military supporter of Ukraine after the United States, providing significant amounts of defense goods despite its traditional post-war pacifism.
*Call for Enhanced Support from New German Chancellor Merz*
Scholz, who faced criticism for delaying key decisions like sending heavy battle tanks to Ukraine and refusing to send long-range Taurus missiles able to strike deep into Russia, emphasized the importance of ongoing support for the war-torn nation.
Friedrich Merz, set to take over as Chancellor in a coalition between the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and Scholz's centre-left SPD, has promised to maintain Germany's support for Ukraine.
Merz, like other European leaders, has expressed concern about US President Donald Trump's attempts to get Zelensky to agree to a quick peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, fearing that it could favor the Kremlin's terms.
In the conversation with Zelensky, Scholz criticized Putin's "cynical delaying tactics" that are allegedly hindering peace efforts. Meanwhile, he highlighted that Ukraine had displayed its eagerness for peace by agreeing to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, pointing out that "no one desires peace more than Ukraine." Scholz urged Putin to reciprocate this sentiment.
*New German Chancellor's Positions on Ukraine*
Friedrich Merz's approach to the Ukrainian conflict centers on diplomatic efforts and readiness for additional sanctions if progress falters.
- Ceasefire Push: Merz backs a 30-day ceasefire proposal—originally championed by the US—and expects Russia to accept it as a test of its commitment to achieve peace.
- Diplomatic Mediation: Merz views ceasefire talks as an opportunity for international mediation, with the goal of bringing all parties to the negotiating table.
- Sanctions Threat: While advocating for diplomatic solutions, Merz has signaled Germany's preparedness to impose additional sanctions on Russia if peace talks falter.
- Support for Ukraine: Merz's administration remains committed to providing ongoing diplomatic and, if needed, economic or military support for Ukraine.
- European Security Independence: Merz supports greater European autonomy in security and defense matters, recognizing the need for more robust self-reliance in the wake of shifting US-European security relationships. Despite this, he still values transatlantic cooperation and commerce.
During the conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the outgoing Chancellor Scholz emphasized a stronger support from his successor, Friedrich Merz, in the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, particularly regarding the need for heavy battle tanks and long-range Taurus missiles. As the new political leader, Merz has expressed his intention to continue Germany's solidarity with Ukraine through diplomatic efforts, sanctions as a negotiating tool, and diplomatic mediation, along with ceasefire proposals. The new Chancellor also supports Europe's general-news efforts towards security independence while maintaining transatlantic cooperation.
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