Scholz claims Putin not serious about his peace offer
Date
6/23/2024 8:50:46 AM
(MENAFN) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has publicly rebuffed Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest proposal aimed at achieving lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine, dismissing it as insincere and intended to divert attention away from the ongoing Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland. Speaking to Germany's top diplomats on Friday, Putin outlined conditions for a ceasefire and negotiations, including the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from disputed regions and assurances regarding Ukraine's neutral status and non-acquisition of nuclear weapons.
However, Chancellor Scholz, in an interview with ZDF during the G7 summit in Italy, characterized Putin's proposal as lacking seriousness. He suggested that the timing of the initiative, coinciding with the Swiss-hosted peace summit, indicated a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine effort towards peace. Scholz also implied that Putin's terms were aimed at achieving territorial gains under the guise of diplomatic negotiations.
Echoing Scholz's sentiments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin's proposal as yet another ultimatum lacking in substantive change from previous demands. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also weighed in, stating that the proposal did not reflect genuine intentions for peace, as it required Ukraine to concede more territory than Russia currently occupies.
The international community continues to monitor developments closely as diplomatic efforts persist to de-escalate tensions and achieve a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine
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