The West must not interrupt the dialogue with Russia

BERLIN – Western countries should not walk out of talks with Russia , regardless of how big the “difference” is between the two sides. The Chancellor said so German Olaf Scholz told German newspaper SZ in an interview.

According to Scholz, exiting any talks with Moscow will only complicate the task of ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“What is important is that, despite the huge difference in (our) positions, we have not allowed the thread of the talks with Russia to fall apart,” Scholz said.

“If we don’t talk, Russia will be less and less likely to end the war,” he added Russia TodaySunday (18/12/2022).

The German chancellor still blames Moscow for the ongoing conflict with Kiev and argues that it is Russia that should be proactive in stopping the military action. However, he also advocated a negotiated solution over a military one.

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“For that, it needs to be discussed,” he told SZ.

When asked when there would be a window for negotiations, Scholz said the moment had actually come a long time ago.

“Once this war is over and we are dealing with a different Russia…able to make peace, we might be able to live together again,” Scholz expressed hope, but did not elaborate on what he meant by “a different Russia.”

Scholz also once again outlined Berlin’s position on arms shipments to Ukraine, stating that Germany will send modern weapons to Kiev but will also try to prevent direct confrontation between NATO and Russia and will not take any steps only in the area of military aid.