German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has rejected “dictated peace” in Ukraine amid the country’s ongoing war with Russia.
Scholz said this while speaking to reporters during a summit in Brussels.
“It is very important that we make sure that Ukraine does not have to accept a dictated peace, but that it is a just and fair peace that guarantees [Ukraine’s] sovereignty and independence,” Scholz said.
“For us, the most important thing is that Ukraine remains a sovereign, independent, democratic nation — this will be a task we must devote ourselves to,” Scholz added.
“We must ensure that Ukraine has a strong national defense and military. It cannot achieve this alone — that is very clear. That is why support from Ukraine’s European friends within the EU, along with other allies in Europe and NATO, and transatlantic partners will continue to be central even in times of peace.”
This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump paused military aid to Ukraine.
Trump is keen to strike a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
The United States leader, however, clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week at the Oval Office.