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Scholz describes Ukraine demilitarization as ‘unacceptable’
(MENAFN) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has dismissed Russia’s calls for Ukraine’s demilitarization, insisting that European security must be built around a militarily strong Kiev. His remarks came after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a new coalition of nations willing to bolster Ukraine against Moscow.
Speaking to reporters following an emergency summit in London on Sunday, Scholz stopped short of confirming whether Germany would deploy troops but reiterated Berlin’s commitment to providing financial and military aid to Ukraine.
“It is essential that we support Ukraine both financially and militarily,” he said, adding that Germany alone has allocated a total of €44 billion to Kiev. According to the Kiel Institute, Germany ranks as the second-largest individual donor, contributing approximately $18 billion in military and humanitarian assistance.
Scholz also emphasized that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself should be at the heart of any future security arrangement in Europe.
“At the core of any peace framework must be Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself with a strong army… All security structures must be built around this,” he stated.
Russia, however, has maintained that the conflict stems from NATO’s expansion toward its borders and insists that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine commits to neutrality, demilitarization, and recognizes the current territorial situation. Moscow has ruled out temporary ceasefires and demands a lasting resolution that addresses its security concerns.
Scholz outright rejected Moscow’s conditions. “Russia’s demands are unacceptable,” he declared. “The idea of Ukraine’s demilitarization, as proposed by Russia, is completely out of the question. On the contrary, Ukraine must be strong enough to prevent future attacks.”
The German Chancellor also voiced concerns about the possibility of a new, less confrontational government emerging in Kiev. He stressed that for a “democratic and sovereign nation” like Ukraine, maintaining a strong defense was essential. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s five-year term officially ended last year, but he has refused to hold elections, citing martial law imposed in 2022. After US President Donald Trump called him a “dictator without elections,” Ukrainian lawmakers eventually passed a motion supporting his extended rule—though only on a second attempt.
Following a recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the Kremlin signaled its willingness to engage in peace talks but emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict. Moscow remains firmly opposed to NATO troop deployments, including those under the pretext of peacekeeping forces, and views Ukraine’s bid to join the alliance as one of the key factors that led to the escalation of the war in 2022.
Speaking to reporters following an emergency summit in London on Sunday, Scholz stopped short of confirming whether Germany would deploy troops but reiterated Berlin’s commitment to providing financial and military aid to Ukraine.
“It is essential that we support Ukraine both financially and militarily,” he said, adding that Germany alone has allocated a total of €44 billion to Kiev. According to the Kiel Institute, Germany ranks as the second-largest individual donor, contributing approximately $18 billion in military and humanitarian assistance.
Scholz also emphasized that Ukraine’s ability to defend itself should be at the heart of any future security arrangement in Europe.
“At the core of any peace framework must be Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself with a strong army… All security structures must be built around this,” he stated.
Russia, however, has maintained that the conflict stems from NATO’s expansion toward its borders and insists that peace can only be achieved if Ukraine commits to neutrality, demilitarization, and recognizes the current territorial situation. Moscow has ruled out temporary ceasefires and demands a lasting resolution that addresses its security concerns.
Scholz outright rejected Moscow’s conditions. “Russia’s demands are unacceptable,” he declared. “The idea of Ukraine’s demilitarization, as proposed by Russia, is completely out of the question. On the contrary, Ukraine must be strong enough to prevent future attacks.”
The German Chancellor also voiced concerns about the possibility of a new, less confrontational government emerging in Kiev. He stressed that for a “democratic and sovereign nation” like Ukraine, maintaining a strong defense was essential. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s five-year term officially ended last year, but he has refused to hold elections, citing martial law imposed in 2022. After US President Donald Trump called him a “dictator without elections,” Ukrainian lawmakers eventually passed a motion supporting his extended rule—though only on a second attempt.
Following a recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the Kremlin signaled its willingness to engage in peace talks but emphasized the need to address the root causes of the conflict. Moscow remains firmly opposed to NATO troop deployments, including those under the pretext of peacekeeping forces, and views Ukraine’s bid to join the alliance as one of the key factors that led to the escalation of the war in 2022.
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