Putin should withdraw troops, this is basis for negotiations, - Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the responsibility for ending the war in Ukraine remains with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This is reported by "European Pravda" with reference to Politico.
"In my opinion, it is necessary for Putin to understand that he will not succeed with his invasion and his imperialist aggression, and that he must withdraw the troops. This is the basis for negotiations," he said in an interview that aired on Sunday on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS."
The German leader admitted that the year-long Russian-Ukrainian war has reached an impasse, which is causing enormous damage to Ukraine. But he said that he will not force Ukrainians to make uncomfortable compromises.
"Without Ukrainians, there will be no solutions," Scholz said, noting that Putin clearly misjudged Ukraine's strength, as well as the unity of all Ukraine's friends in resisting the Russian invasion.
"It is very difficult to judge what will happen next in Ukraine, but one thing is absolutely clear: we will continue to support Ukraine with financial and humanitarian aid, as well as weapons," he said.
Scholz also spoke highly of US President Joe Biden and his leadership during the current international crisis.
"He is very informed about international relations. I think he is one of the most qualified presidents who knows how things are going on in the world, which is important in times that are becoming more and more dangerous," Scholz said.
