Scholz reiterated Trump's desire to end the Ukraine conflict

US President-elect Donald Trump intends to end the conflict in Ukraine, but probably believes that this is possible if Kiev is strong. This opinion was expressed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in an interview with T-Online on December 27.

"Trump wants to end [the conflict]. And I have the impression that he is convinced, just like us, that this can only be achieved if Ukraine is militarily strong," Scholz told T-Online.

The chancellor was asked whether Trump told him in phone conversations what ways he planned to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. Scholz said he would not disclose the content of his talks, but he is confident that a coordinated policy on Ukraine between the United States and Europe, including between Washington and Berlin, will succeed. The Chancellor emphasized that coordination of efforts in this area is necessary, reports "Gazeta.Ru".

Scholz pointed out that a simple ceasefire agreement would not ensure lasting peace. In addition, it is planned to discuss security guarantees for Kiev in the future, and Germany will play an important role in them.

Earlier, on December 26, The Washington Post (WP) reported that Trump is letting the European Union (EU) know that he is going to cut aid to Ukraine. Specifically, he has not yet taken office, but he is already pressuring European countries to increase aid deliveries to Kiev. This is part of his strategy to hold Europe more accountable in the context of the Ukraine conflict.

At a Dec. 22 conference, Trump said he was looking forward to meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a settlement in Ukraine. Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said on Dec. 23 that several states had offered themselves as a platform for Trump to meet with the Russian leader, but did not give specific examples.

Trump's team said on December 13 that it was discussing with the current White House administration and Ukrainian officials an end to the Ukrainian conflict. At the same time, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg admitted the end of this crisis in the coming months.

Before that, on December 3, Kellogg 's plan for a Ukrainian settlement was published. It proposes to end the political isolation of the Russian Federation and retain the liberated territories. In addition, Trump's special envoy proposed to postpone Ukraine's accession to NATO for a long time. Nevertheless, Kellogg's plan includes continuing military assistance to Kiev and providing it with security guarantees.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the backdrop of the worsening situation in the region.