2024-11-15 19:41:00
Volodymyr Zelensky is not angry. The president of Ukraine accused Germany this Friday of playing into the hands of Vladimir Putin, after Olaf Scholz spoke to the Russian president to discuss the conditions for peace in Ukraine. A first meeting in almost two years between the two leaders.
During the hour-long call, Olaf Scholz called on Russia to show its ” willingness to begin negotiations with Ukraine with a view to a just and lasting peace ”, according to the German government. The chancellor reiterated that Moscow must withdraw its troops from Ukraine and “ end the war ».
This exchange therefore provoked the anger of Ukraine which sees in it “ an attempt at appeasement » towards Moscow, at a time when the Ukrainians are losing ground on the front, and fear losing the support of the United States, after the victory of Donald Trump in the presidential election.
“Pandora’s Box”
Talking to Vladimir Putin » open Pandora’s box », castigated Volodymyr Zelensky, who fears being forced into negotiations unfavorable to Ukraine. During the meeting, Vladimir Putin reaffirmed to the German Chancellor that any peace agreement should reflect the ” new territorial realities », According to the Kremlin.
This Russian position has been repeated for several months already. Russia is open to peace negotiations, but with ” concessions » from kyiv: the cession of the Ukrainian territories that Moscow annexed in 2022, without fully controlling them. A condition deemed unthinkable by kyiv.
« Conversations with the Russian dictator alone do not add value to achieving a just peace », castigated the spokesperson for Ukrainian diplomacy, Georgii Tykhy, calling instead for “ concrete and strong actions » to force Russia into peace.
Allies informed
Olaf Scholz had warned Volodymyr Zelensky of his call to Vladimir Putin. Washington, Paris and London knew the German Chancellor’s intention without, however, the messages being ” coordinated », According to the entourage of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Olaf Scholz will be able to inform in more detail the G20 leaders he is due to meet during the summit organized next Monday and Tuesday in Brazil. A meeting of several heads of EU diplomacy is also planned for Tuesday in Warsaw to mark the thousand days of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
In a first comment this Friday, the head of the Polish government Donald Tusk welcomed that Olaf Scholz had said that “ nothing about Ukraine » would not be done « without Ukraine “. The German Chancellor also told the Russian leader again: determination “Germany and the EU to support Ukraine” as long as necessary ».
An exchange frank and detailed “, according to the Kremlin
The last call between the German and Russian leaders dates back to December 2, 2022, some 9 months after the start of Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. It is also the last known telephone exchange between the head of the Kremlin and the leader of a large Western country.
According to the Kremlin, which called the exchange “ frank and detailed “, the call took place ” at the initiative of the German side “. For the record, since the Russian invasion, Germany has been the second largest supplier of military aid to kyiv, after the United States. But despite repeated requests from Volodymyr Zelensky, Chancellor Scholz has tirelessly refused to provide long-range “Taurus” missiles, requested by kyiv to better defend itself.
Difficult sequence for Olaf Scholz
The fear of an escalation with Moscow, regularly put forward by the German leader, has also earned him criticism from some of his European allies who criticize him for his lack of determination. Olaf Scholz recently called for increased efforts to end the conflict diplomatically, in consultation with kyiv and that country’s allies.
In mid-October, he judged that the time had come “ to do everything – besides clearly supporting Ukraine – to find a way to prevent this war from continuing “. And to further assure: “ There will never be decisions taken over Ukraine’s head, and never without consultation with our closest partners. »
Military and financial support for kyiv, and Germany’s defense policy, will be one of the subjects of the electoral campaign which should lead the country to early legislative elections on February 23.
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**Interview with Dr. Anna McKinley, Political Analyst on the Ukraine Crisis**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. McKinley. President Zelensky has expressed concerns about Chancellor Scholz’s recent discussions with President Putin. What do you think Zelensky’s main worries are regarding these communications?
**Dr. McKinley:** Thank you for having me. Zelensky’s concerns center around the idea that Scholz’s conversation could potentially legitimize Putin’s actions and reopen avenues for negotiation on terms that might be unfavorable to Ukraine. The phrase “open Pandora’s box” suggests he fears this dialogue could lead to more discussions that undermine Ukraine’s interests, especially given the current strain on military support from key allies.
**Editor:** You mentioned military support. With the potential change in the U.S. political landscape following Trump’s victory, how might this affect Ukraine’s position?
**Dr. McKinley:** Well, Trump’s election could indeed shift U.S. policy, which may directly impact Ukraine’s military and diplomatic support. Given that the U.S. has been a cornerstone of military aid to Ukraine, there’s a significant amount of anxiety in Kyiv. Zelensky’s sense of urgency likely stems from the fear that without strong Western backing, Ukraine could be pressured into unfavorable negotiations, especially if Germany’s approach leans toward appeasement.
**Editor:** Scholz has insisted the need for a “just and lasting peace.” How realistic is this expectation in the current context?
**Dr. McKinley:** That’s a complex question. While everyone desires a peaceful resolution, the realities on the ground need to be addressed first. Russia’s demands for recognizing new territorial realities complicate the prospects for a just peace. Ukraine has been clear that conceding territory is unacceptable, so any workable negotiation framework will require a significant shift in Russia’s stance, which seems unlikely at this moment.
**Editor:** There seems to be a rift in the diplomatic strategies among Western allies regarding how to handle Russia. How does Zelensky’s reaction reflect on the unity of NATO and the EU?
**Dr. McKinley:** Zelensky’s reaction indicates that there are differing views on engagement with Russia within NATO and the EU. While some members believe in diplomatic dialogues, others, including Ukraine, see such moves as potentially empowering Putin. This divergence may create friction in presenting a united front, which is crucial for maintaining support for Ukraine. If leaders like Zelensky feel sidelined or undermined, it could pose challenges for future diplomatic efforts.
**Editor:** As this situation evolves, what steps can be taken by allies to ensure Ukraine’s concerns are addressed while seeking a resolution?
**Dr. McKinley:** Continuous dialogue with Ukraine is essential. Allies must ensure that any discussions involving Russia include Ukrainian input and prioritize their sovereignty. Additionally, providing clear military support and signaling a united front is critical in preventing any aggressive moves by Russia. Lastly, presenting a cohesive strategy that balances diplomatic engagement with a firm stance against any territorial concessions can help alleviate Ukrainian fears while pursuing peace.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. McKinley, for your insights into this critical situation.
**Dr. McKinley:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a resolution that honors Ukraine’s rights and sovereignty.