Ukraine Warns Chancellor Scholz’s Talk with Putin Opens ‘Pandora’s Box’
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski has warned that German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin has opened a “Pandora’s box”. He suggests that this move undermines efforts to isolate Putin, and may lead to further conversations that serve Putin’s interests.
Zelenski’s Statement on the Talk
President Zelenski stated on Telegram that Putin has long been waiting for an opportunity to break his isolation, and this move could potentially provide him with that chance. He confirmed that he had been informed beforehand by Chancellor Scholz about his intention to talk with Putin.
Ukraine’s Stance on Peace
Zelenski added that Ukraine is not seeking another ‘Minsk-3’ agreement, referring to previous agreements signed in 2014 and 2015 between Kiev and Moscow-backed pro-Russian separatists. These agreements led to several ceasefires but failed to resolve the conflict. Instead, what Ukraine needs is “real peace”.
The Ongoing Conflict
Conflict between Kiev and pro-Russian separatists escalated when Russia launched a full-scale invasion against Ukraine in February 2022. In a conversation with Ukrainian public broadcaster Supilne, Zelenski expressed hope that the war will end sooner during the administration of the US President-elect Donald Trump. He emphasized the need for a “just peace” for Ukraine.
Germany’s Role in the Conflict
This comes after Putin refused to have talks with Olaf Scholz regarding peace with Ukraine. Zelensky had previously requested that Germany invite Ukraine to join NATO, a request that was rejected. Scholz, however, urged Putin to withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine and start negotiations with Kiev.
