Zelenskyy and Scholz discuss steps toward just peace
Archival photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, discussing steps needed to achieve a just peace and Europe's role at the negotiating table, according to the President’s Telegram channel and Sky News.
"A substantive conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz about our common position on ways to end the war and reliable security guarantees. I thanked him for Germany’s contribution to saving thousands of lives, as well as for its leadership in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense," Zelenskyy wrote.
He noted that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Germany's total assistance to Ukraine has reached €43.6 billion.
The Ukrainian President also briefed Scholz on his meeting with US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg and recent contacts with foreign leaders, including his conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron the previous day.
"We discussed in detail the vision of the steps necessary to achieve a just peace, as well as the role of Europe at the negotiating table," Zelenskyy added.
According to Sky News, Scholz supports Zelenskyy regarding Ukraine’s role in peace negotiations.
"Ukraine must be at the table in future negotiations on peace in Ukraine," the German Chancellor emphasized.
Both leaders also agreed that "questions about European security must be discussed together with the Europeans" and that "close coordination between Ukraine and its closest partners is necessary".
Zelenskyy's meeting with Kellogg
On February 19, US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg began his visit to Ukraine.
On the very first day of his visit, he met with the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, as well as the heads of the special services and intelligence agencies.
Yesterday, February 20, Kellogg held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the Ukrainian leader, during the meeting, they discussed the situation at the front and security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy also emphasized Ukraine's readiness to sign a strong partnership agreement with the United States.
Kellogg, for his part, stated that he considers the discussions with the Ukrainian leadership to be positive, including his negotiations with Zelenskyy.
