Zelensky calls Scholz: Ukraine needs Germany

In his first phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz following the collapse of the Traffic Light Alliance and the crucial US election, Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed hope that Germany would provide further help to Ukraine. Zelensky later said that discussions had already taken place on the delivery of German air defense systems and additional air defense systems next year. According to the federal government, Scholz reiterated “our unwavering solidarity with Ukraine in the face of nearly 1,000 days of continued Russian aggression.”

In light of Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, Ukraine and its European backers fear that the United States, its most important ally, may soon stop aid to Kyiv, and Russia will, in effect, through Kremlin Chairman Vladimir Putin (Vladimir Putin) ordered in February 2022 to reach a unilateral peace settlement at the expense of Ukraine's aggressive war, in violation of international law.

Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Scholz exchanged views with Zelensky “on the military and humanitarian situation in Ukraine.” For his part, the Ukrainian head of state praised Germany's role in uniting a coalition of supporters in the defensive fight against Russia.

Zelensky said that Scholz has confirmed that Germany will deliver the sixth “Iris-T” air defense system before the end of this year. He also spoke to him about the importance of maintaining the so-called Ramstein format. It was about a meeting at the U.S. air base of the same name in Rhineland-Palatinate, where Ukrainian supporters have met again and again since the war began to decide on new military aid to Kiev.

Zelensky also called for Ukraine to be made an issue at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro early next week. “We are negotiating with our partners to ensure that Ukraine's position is reflected in all relevant discussions,” he said in an evening video message. “Only by working together can the world ensure true and lasting peace and stability in international relations.”

Last year, Russia successfully fended off industrialized countries, represented by the G20 industrialized countries dealing with the war in Ukraine, as well as guests from Kiev. The reason given was that the meeting should focus mainly on global economic issues rather than one of the many countries locked in war, and that country was not a member of the G20.

Lavrov: No new Russia policy under Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin will send Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to attend the G20 summit in Brazil, where he will also meet with US representatives. The top diplomat said he expected no changes in U.S. policy toward Russia or Ukraine under Trump. In an interview with Russian state television, Lavrov said that weakening Russia and its influence is in the interest of every U.S. government. Moscow has repeatedly accused the United States of supporting the war in Ukraine primarily to undermine Russia's position as a powerful rival on the world stage.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.Image: trapezoid

Trump announced during the campaign that he would end the war in Ukraine within a short period of time by striking a deal with Russia. He gave no details. Putin congratulated Trump on his election last week and appeared open to dialogue. At the same time, he emphasized that Trump is unpredictable, so it remains to be seen what will happen after his statement.

Lavrov opposes freeze on conflict

Lavrov warned against reviving the Minsk accords to resolve Ukraine's conflict with Russia. Agreements reached in 2014 and 2015, mediated by Germany and France, provided for, among other things, the autonomy of Donbass. Zelensky later rejected the Minsk agreements as a solution.

Russia eventually attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022, claiming it was a pre-emptive strike to prevent the Ukrainian military from regaining control of areas controlled by pro-Russian separatists in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

Lavrov refused to freeze the conflict, saying that would be tantamount to a new but worse version of the Minsk agreements. The bloodshed in eastern Ukraine occurred only because Kiev's leadership refused to talk about the autonomy of Donbass and the rights of the Russian-speaking population after the violent 2014 coup. Lavrov said that according to the Minsk agreements, Donbas should remain part of Ukraine. Russian troops now occupy much of the region. (Leo/Syrian Development Authority/Department of Political Affairs)

German Chancellor Olaf Schulz (SPD) has defended the sacking of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) and the consequent withdrawal from the Bundestag's traffic light coalition. “This decision is correct and inevitable,” he said in a government statement.