Scholz of Germany Labels Ukraine's Demilitarization 'unacceptable'
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has asserted that a “strong” Ukraine is essential for European security, dismissing Russia’s stance. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The chancellor has dismissed one of Moscow’s key demands in potential peace with Kiev.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserted that European security should focus on a “strong” Ukraine, rejecting Russia’s call for the demilitarization of its neighbor. Scholz made these comments following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of plans for a new coalition of nations aimed at strengthening Kiev in its conflict with Moscow.
Starmer convened an emergency meeting in London on Sunday, recognizing that while some of Kiev’s supporters have limited resources, those who can should act swiftly. After the meeting, Scholz refrained from detailing whether Berlin would send troops but underscored the importance of ongoing financial and military backing for Ukraine.
“It is clear that we must support Ukraine financially and with military means,” he remarked, noting that Berlin “alone has raised a total of €44 billion” for Kiev. The Kiel Institute reports that Germany stands as the second-largest individual state donor to Ukraine, having contributed around $18 billion in military and other forms of assistance.
“Secondly, we must know that at the core of any future peace order must be the ability for Ukraine to defend itself and have a strong army… All security architectures must revolve around it,” he continued.
Russia contends that NATO’s expansion toward its borders instigated the conflict and has dismissed any notion of temporary ceasefires, insisting instead on a lasting resolution. Moscow asserts that peace is only attainable if Ukraine agrees to neutrality, demilitarization, denazification, and accepts the current territorial realities.
However, Scholz rejected Moscow’s viewpoints, stating that “the Russian perspectives cannot be accepted," and underscoring that “the question of demilitarization that Russia demands cannot be accepted.” He emphasized that “Ukraine must be… so strong that it is not attacked again.”
The German chancellor also voiced concerns regarding the emergence of a less confrontational government in Kiev, viewing it as unacceptable for a “democratic and sovereign nation” like Ukraine. Vladimir Zelensky’s five-year presidential term ended last year, yet he has opted against new elections, citing the martial law enacted in 2022. After US President Donald Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator without elections,” Ukrainian legislators passed a motion supporting his claims to presidential authority on the second attempt.
Following an extended phone conversation last month between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump, the Kremlin indicated its willingness to commence the peace process, highlighting the necessity to tackle the root causes of the conflict. Moscow remains staunchly opposed to the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine, even under the pretense of peacekeeping forces, as well as to Kiev's aspirations to join the alliance, considering these factors to be significant contributors to the escalation of the conflict in 2022.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz asserted that European security should focus on a “strong” Ukraine, rejecting Russia’s call for the demilitarization of its neighbor. Scholz made these comments following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of plans for a new coalition of nations aimed at strengthening Kiev in its conflict with Moscow.
Starmer convened an emergency meeting in London on Sunday, recognizing that while some of Kiev’s supporters have limited resources, those who can should act swiftly. After the meeting, Scholz refrained from detailing whether Berlin would send troops but underscored the importance of ongoing financial and military backing for Ukraine.
“It is clear that we must support Ukraine financially and with military means,” he remarked, noting that Berlin “alone has raised a total of €44 billion” for Kiev. The Kiel Institute reports that Germany stands as the second-largest individual state donor to Ukraine, having contributed around $18 billion in military and other forms of assistance.
“Secondly, we must know that at the core of any future peace order must be the ability for Ukraine to defend itself and have a strong army… All security architectures must revolve around it,” he continued.
Russia contends that NATO’s expansion toward its borders instigated the conflict and has dismissed any notion of temporary ceasefires, insisting instead on a lasting resolution. Moscow asserts that peace is only attainable if Ukraine agrees to neutrality, demilitarization, denazification, and accepts the current territorial realities.
However, Scholz rejected Moscow’s viewpoints, stating that “the Russian perspectives cannot be accepted," and underscoring that “the question of demilitarization that Russia demands cannot be accepted.” He emphasized that “Ukraine must be… so strong that it is not attacked again.”
The German chancellor also voiced concerns regarding the emergence of a less confrontational government in Kiev, viewing it as unacceptable for a “democratic and sovereign nation” like Ukraine. Vladimir Zelensky’s five-year presidential term ended last year, yet he has opted against new elections, citing the martial law enacted in 2022. After US President Donald Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator without elections,” Ukrainian legislators passed a motion supporting his claims to presidential authority on the second attempt.
Following an extended phone conversation last month between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump, the Kremlin indicated its willingness to commence the peace process, highlighting the necessity to tackle the root causes of the conflict. Moscow remains staunchly opposed to the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine, even under the pretense of peacekeeping forces, as well as to Kiev's aspirations to join the alliance, considering these factors to be significant contributors to the escalation of the conflict in 2022.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
