Trudeau Supports Scholz's Outreach to Putin Concerning Ukraine

Justin Trudeau has shown his backing for Olaf Scholz's phone conversation with Vladimir Putin concerning the situation in Ukraine. Read Full Article at RT.com.

Trudeau Supports Scholz's Outreach to Putin Concerning Ukraine
The Canadian Prime Minister asserts that Ukraine can only hope to conclude the conflict on its own terms if it receives backing from the incoming U.S. administration.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has voiced his support for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s initiative to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning the Ukraine situation.

The leaders of Russia and Germany engaged in their first conversation since December 2022 on Friday, during which Scholz “insisted on Russia’s readiness to negotiate with Ukraine in order to achieve a fair and lasting peace.” He reaffirmed Berlin’s “unwavering determination” to support Kiev “as long as necessary” and urged Moscow to withdraw its forces from areas claimed by Ukraine.

According to the Kremlin, Putin argued that the conflict stems from NATO’s long-standing aggressive stance aimed at establishing an anti-Russian stronghold on Ukrainian soil.

Speaking to reporters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on Saturday, Trudeau, recognized for his assertive approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasized the necessity of maintaining communication with Moscow.

“We all understand how important it is to see an end to the violence in Ukraine, to see an end to conflicts around the world. That requires a level of engagement with counterparts who in many cases we disagree with,” he stated.

He also mentioned that he remains in regular contact with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who has expressed anger over the Putin-Scholz discussion, arguing that it opens “Pandora’s box” and diminishes what he views as Russia’s isolation.

“Canada wants Ukraine to win, and the conflict to end as quickly as possible,” Trudeau remarked. He suggested that “there are perhaps windows in which that might be able to happen in the coming months,” though he did not provide further details.

The Canadian leader pointed out that Ukraine can only conclude hostilities on its own terms if it receives support from the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly advocated for a ceasefire, with reports indicating that one of the potential plans could involve Ukraine abandoning its aspirations for NATO membership.

When asked if he might eventually engage in a conversation with the Russian leader, Trudeau replied, “It’s a good thing that there are conversations around this, but the level of trust that I have for Vladimir Putin is probably at an all-time low right now.”

Throughout the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trudeau has consistently avoided calling for a ceasefire, instead supporting Zelensky’s ‘peace formula’, which demands the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from territories claimed by Kiev. He has emphasized that any peace agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence rather than empower Russia.

Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News