Scholz and Trump discussed strategies for ending the war in Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated after a conversation with newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump that the leaders of both nations will be able to collaboratively develop a strategy for Ukraine's future. The teams of both politicians have already exchanged ideas on crafting such a strategy. Furthermore, the German Chancellor, who visited Ukraine the day before to discuss potential concessions from Kyiv, emphasized the importance of maintaining the country's sovereignty and quickly ending the killings.
According to Reuters, Trump and Scholz will work together on a strategy for ending the war and determining Ukraine's future. The German Chancellor confirmed that he has had numerous discussions with Donald Trump regarding Ukraine.
"I have already spoken on the phone multiple times with the future U.S. President, and we are also in direct contact with those responsible for security policy. I am confident that we can develop a joint strategy for Ukraine," Scholz told the Funke media group.
Scholz described an in-depth conversation with Trump about Ukraine. He highlighted that the teams of both politicians are currently working together, exchanging thoughts on Ukraine's future at the advisor level. Scholz added that it is crucial to end the killings and ensure the inviolability of Ukraine's sovereignty.
"It is important that the killings cease as soon as possible, so that Ukraine's independence and sovereignty are guaranteed," he stated.
However, Scholz again ruled out sending long-range Taurus missiles, which are manufactured in Germany and sought by Kyiv, to Ukraine. He mentioned that such weaponry, which could be used to strike targets in Russia, poses a risk of escalation that "should be avoided."
Trump is expected to change U.S. policy towards Ukraine, which has previously been closely coordinated with European allies. The elected U.S. president promised to advocate for a swift peace agreement to end Russia's war against Ukraine, but did not provide details on how he plans to achieve this.
Interestingly, Trump may have a direct conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend in Paris, where both will attend the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Germany has been and remains one of Ukraine's largest military sponsors, second only to the United States in terms of aid sent to Ukraine. In recent weeks, Scholz has faced sharp criticism for speaking directly with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but the Chancellor promised to continue supporting Ukraine "to the best of his ability."
"My main principle remains unchanged: nothing should be decided behind the back of the Ukrainian people," Scholz asserted.
Scholz has spoken with Putin and Zelensky
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made an unexpected visit to Kyiv on December 2, emphasizing that his country will continue to be Ukraine's largest supporter in Europe, pledging military aid of 650 million euros this month. This visit, the second since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, underscores Germany's support during a time of uncertainty with the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump assuming office and as Russian troops gain territorial advantages.
The German Chancellor's visit occurred as he faces a tough battle for re-election in a snap vote in February following the collapse of his coalition in November. The main issue of the campaign is Ukraine, prompting Informant to investigate why Germany has intensified its focus on the war and peace in Ukraine.
The day before, Scholz had a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ways to end the war, of which Informant has already reported details. Zelensky criticized these negotiations, stating that this move would open a "Pandora's box," weakening Putin's international isolation.