Berlin has ruled out supporting any ceasefire agreement that would require Kyiv to surrender, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said.
Scholz stated that Germany would not endorse a truce that would result in Ukraine’s defeat, emphasizing that such a scenario is unacceptable.
During a session of the Bundestag on Wednesday, Left Party member Gesine Loetzsch raised concerns about Germany’s involvement in the conflict and the potential for a ceasefire.
“In my opinion, a ceasefire that involves Ukraine’s capitulation is something we as Germany must never support,” Scholz responded, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
The chancellor maintained that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ceasefire terms amounted to Ukraine’s surrender, labeling Moscow’s stance as “cynical” and lacking genuine interest in ending the conflict.
“Putin only talks about peace negotiations in order to continue the war. We will not allow this,” Scholz asserted.
Last month, the Russian president outlined conditions for peace talks, demanding that Ukraine withdraw troops from territories annexed by Russia and renounce its aspirations for NATO membership before negotiations could commence. Moscow, he claimed, would initiate a ceasefire once these conditions were met.
The removal of Western sanctions and the “demilitarization and denazification” of the Ukrainian government were also stipulated by Moscow as prerequisites for a peace agreement.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, during a visit to Kyiv earlier this week, had proposed a “quick ceasefire” to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but reported that the Ukrainian leader was not receptive to the suggestion.
Scholz was also pressed to guarantee that Germany would not become a direct participant in the war. Germany has been the largest EU donor to Ukraine while simultaneously maintaining its stance of non-involvement in hostilities.
“Yes, I give this guarantee,” Scholz affirmed. “As chancellor, I stand by that.”
Germany’s ruling coalition has faced internal dissent following a decline in the country’s support for the Ukrainian cause in last month’s European Parliament election, leading to speculation about a potential resignation of Scholz. The chancellor acknowledged that “many people do not agree with the support for Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia,” but remained steadfast in his policy.