It is Necessary to Talk, We Need to Determine How: Scholz on Relations with Russia

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that it is essential to maintain contact with Russia. He made this remark in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

“It is important that we do not sever the thread of negotiations with Russia despite serious disagreements over the conflict in Ukraine,” the head of the German government declared.

At the same time, he did not respond to the question of whether he could envision a visit to Russia in 2023. According to the chancellor, Russia must end the war in Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a "special military operation."

“To achieve that, we need to talk; we have to determine in what format—by phone, via video call, or around the table,” Scholz stated. He also noted that “the time has long come for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.”