In an interview for “Die Tageszeitung,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that while he is open to talks with Putin, he believes that doing so at the moment would be pointless.
The daily asked whether Scholz realizes many people are alienated by the language used to speak of the conflict, citing “deterrence” as an example of a term that carries aggressive connotations and which rubs sections of the German population the wrong way.
Scholz expressed his understanding but also said that it was a case of misunderstanding, which he would like to clarify.
“Germany is a peaceful country,” the German Chancellor stressed. “However, we must be in a position to defend our country and, together with our allies, the territory of NATO [countries].”
He specifically enumerated the three Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as countries looking toward Germany for protection, which Germany is responsible for on account of German history.
Scholz expressed his understanding but also said that it was a case of misunderstanding, which he would like to clarify.
“Germany is a peaceful country,” the German Chancellor stressed. “However, we must be in a position to defend our country and, together with our allies, the territory of NATO [countries].”
He specifically enumerated the three Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia as countries looking toward Germany for protection, which Germany is responsible for on account of German history.
Scholz was likely referring to the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact, with subsequent amendments, the Baltic states fell into the Soviet “sphere of interests.” All were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, and in the aftermath of World War II, Moscow’s grip on the three countries was solidified until they regained independence in the early 1990s.
The German leader called the current situation “dramatic.”
“Russia’s ruler, Putin, wants to change borders by force. In doing so, he is threatening the entire peace order in Europe,” Scholz said, adding that the West had previously neglected to heed warning signs, as he was vocally announcing his views and plans years ahead in essays and speech, claiming that “Belarus and Ukraine were not independent countries, but belonged to Russia.”
“We should all have taken that literally,” Chancellor Scholz said.
When asked when was the last time he was on the phone with Putin, Scholz replied it was in December 2022. When asked as to why, especially considering how some people, particularly those living in former East Germany (which was under Soviet occupation in the aftermath of the war and subsequently transformed into a communist Soviet satellite - TVP World) would like to see an agreement reached with Putin, Scholz replied that “Such talks make sense if you feel you can achieve something.”
“Russia’s ruler, Putin, wants to change borders by force. In doing so, he is threatening the entire peace order in Europe,” Scholz said, adding that the West had previously neglected to heed warning signs, as he was vocally announcing his views and plans years ahead in essays and speech, claiming that “Belarus and Ukraine were not independent countries, but belonged to Russia.”
“We should all have taken that literally,” Chancellor Scholz said.
When asked when was the last time he was on the phone with Putin, Scholz replied it was in December 2022. When asked as to why, especially considering how some people, particularly those living in former East Germany (which was under Soviet occupation in the aftermath of the war and subsequently transformed into a communist Soviet satellite - TVP World) would like to see an agreement reached with Putin, Scholz replied that “Such talks make sense if you feel you can achieve something.”
“The way Russia is currently conducting the war does not promise that,” he said.
Scholz said he held several talks with Putin in the past, pointing out he occasionally faced criticism for it, and he would be willing to hold further talks. He said that there are continued diplomatic efforts “At the initiative of the Ukrainian government,” involving national security advisors from various countries, including those of the Global South, which Scholz believes is important.
He said that he would talk to Putin again “When the time comes,” and pressed for a more concrete answer he responded that it would be “when Russia realizes that there will be no dictated peace and Putin realizes that he has to stop his campaign and withdraw troops.”
Scholz said he held several talks with Putin in the past, pointing out he occasionally faced criticism for it, and he would be willing to hold further talks. He said that there are continued diplomatic efforts “At the initiative of the Ukrainian government,” involving national security advisors from various countries, including those of the Global South, which Scholz believes is important.
He said that he would talk to Putin again “When the time comes,” and pressed for a more concrete answer he responded that it would be “when Russia realizes that there will be no dictated peace and Putin realizes that he has to stop his campaign and withdraw troops.”
Source: taz, TVP World
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