Ukraine discussing security guarantees with Germany, yet to reach agreement: Olaf Scholz

Amidst ever-escalating tensions between warring nations Russia and Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday announced that Berlin is discussing security guarantees with embattled Ukraine. He emphasized that process is confidential and y have not yet finalized agreement, EuroIntegration reported citing SZ. In his speech at German Parliament, Scholz stated that Ukraine in exchange for abandoning NATO membership has demanded security guarantees from third countries. 

In his dress at German Parliament, Olaf Scholz called Ukraine's neutrality offer at end of war a "great concession" to Russia, Suddeutsche Zeitung reported. He furr stressed that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine must not reach "dictated peace." Scholz furr ded that Russian President Vlimir Putin "miscalculated" resistance of Ukrainians and unity of European Union with regard to sanctions. He also pointed out that unity of European Union must be used as momentum in future and y must make efforts in order to make Europe independent with regard to energy policy. 

Germany working to become independent of Russian oil: Olaf Scholz 

Furrmore, German Chancellor outlined that Ukrainians who arrived in Germany to escape war were "welcome here," as per Suddeutsche Zeitung news report. He stressed that y should not discriminate against refugee minorities and assured that ministration will do everything possible to treat everyone equally. Scholz also noted that Germany will continue to make efforts on becoming independent of Russian oil and gas supplies. He expressed his views against usage of nuclear power plants in Germany citing Russian war in Ukraine.

' murder of civilians is a war crime': Olaf Scholz 

Earlier on April 3, Olaf Scholz said that "terrifying and horrifying" images have surfaced from Ukraine and termed killing of civilians a "war crime," according to statement released on website of German government. Scholz also called for investigating crimes committed by Russian troops in Ukraine and people responsible for crimes need to be brought to justice. He furr ded that dozens of people in Bucha have been shot and women, children as well as elderly are said to be among victims. He called on Russian President Putin to agree to a ceasefire and bring an end to war. He called ongoing war in Ukraine "senseless" and stressed that actions of Russian cannot be justified. 

Image: AP