Scholz finds no change in Moscow's stand on Ukraine after phone call with Vladimir Putin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he did not perceive Moscow's effort to shift its attitude on Ukraine after a recent phone conversation with Russian President Vlimir Putin. "No," he said in an interview published on May 14 on German news portal T-online when asked if Russia's position on Ukraine h changed.

Scholz ded that Moscow "has not reached any goals mentioned at beginning" of military special operation.

Furrmore, NATO has not left, but has increased its forces on eastern flank, according to Scholz, who ded that North Atlantic Treaty Organization will become even stronger once Finland and Sweden join it. Meanwhile, German Chancellor stated that talks with Russian President Vlimir Putin were ongoing. Having said that, Scholz believes that only way to lift sanctions against Russia is for Moscow and Kyiv to sign a peace treaty.

"Russia should understand at some point that only probable possibility of eventually lifting sanctions is to conclude an agreement with Ukraine, and this cannot be an imposed peace. As for rest re is a clear principle: Ukraine solves those issues. We cannot hold negotiations on ir behalf one way or anor," Scholz stressed.

Germany to continue to supply weapons to Kyiv and tighten anti-Russia sanctions

Chancellor Scholz once again urged Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Sanctions have a powerful impact, according to German government's leer. He went on to say that Russian economy will be severely harmed, and that its development potential is extremely limited. When asked if Germany and its partners would continue to supply weapons to Kyiv and tighten anti-Russia sanctions, Chancellor said that y would.

He remarked, "Yes, we will continue, regarding sanctions as well, because our goal is to make sure Russia’s attempted invasion fails."

Scholz and Putin h a telephonic conversation on May 13

In a telephonic conversation on May 13, Scholz and Putin reviewed situation in Ukraine. According to Kremlin press service, discussion was initiated by German side. Following call, two leers agreed to continue conversation through various lines of communication. Since start of special military operation in Ukraine, Russian president and German chancellor have spoken on phone multiple times, each time emphasising ongoing conflict.

On February 24, Russian President Vlimir Putin announced that, in response to a request from hes of Donbass republics, he h decided to conduct a special military operation, following which United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and a number of or countries imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and legal entities.