All articles tagged with #olaf scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, affirming Germany's long-term support for Ukraine. Scholz announced a new military aid package worth over 670 million dollars, including air defense systems, tanks, and drones, to be delivered in December.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine during a surprise visit to Kyiv, amidst domestic criticism and an upcoming election. Scholz's stance against delivering long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine contrasts with conservative leader Friedrich Merz's more aggressive approach, which Scholz argues could escalate tensions with nuclear-armed Russia. The debate over military aid is intensifying in Germany, with Scholz's Social Democratic Party trailing behind Merz's Christian Democratic Union in polls. Scholz's visit is seen as an effort to bolster his statesman image ahead of the February election.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced a $680 million aid package to Ukraine during his visit, aimed at supporting the country's recovery and resilience amid ongoing challenges.
Boris Pistorius, Germany's popular defense minister, has withdrawn from the race to lead the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in an early general election, paving the way for the unpopular Chancellor Olaf Scholz to attempt a reelection bid. Despite internal calls for Pistorius to replace Scholz, the SPD leadership remains committed to Scholz, who faces criticism for his leadership and foreign policy decisions. The SPD is currently polling low, with the Christian Democrats and the far-right Alternative for Germany party leading in the polls.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is campaigning on his decision not to send Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, portraying it as a prudent move to avoid escalating the conflict, ahead of an early election. Scholz faces pressure from both the U.S., which has authorized similar missile use, and his political rival Friedrich Merz, who supports sending the missiles. Scholz's strategy aims to improve his low approval ratings and secure his position as the Social Democratic Party's candidate, despite internal debates over potential alternatives.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the G20 summit's final communique for not holding Russia accountable for the war in Ukraine, expressing regret over the lack of consensus on key issues. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Russia to de-escalate and called on China to influence Russia towards peace. Scholz defended Germany's decision to withhold long-range missiles from Ukraine, emphasizing prudence. The G20 also addressed climate change and global governance reforms, with US President Joe Biden announcing new climate pledges.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated at the G20 summit that Germany will not supply Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns over shared targeting responsibility and the risk of being perceived as directly involved in the conflict. This stance comes amid pressure from allies and domestic challenges, as the US has reportedly lifted its ban on Ukraine using American long-range weapons against Russia. Scholz emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine's defense while acting prudently, reflecting Germany's cautious approach to military involvement.
Germany is currently refusing to send Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, despite pressure from various political parties and allies. Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposes the delivery, fearing it could entangle Germany in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The debate has intensified following the U.S. decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia. While the Free Democratic Party and other political figures support the delivery, Scholz and his Social Democratic Party remain firm in their opposition.
European officials criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis calling it a "really strange strategy." The call, which was not coordinated with allies, aimed to urge Putin to end the war in Ukraine. However, officials like Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and EU diplomat Josep Borrell expressed skepticism about its effectiveness, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned it could weaken Russia's isolation.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remains firm in his decision not to supply Ukraine with German long-range Taurus missiles, despite the U.S. allowing Ukraine to use American long-range missiles against Russia. Scholz's stance is part of his reelection strategy, emphasizing caution to prevent the war from escalating. This decision contrasts with other German political leaders who support the U.S. move, and it comes amid tensions with Russia and concerns over potential peace negotiations by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump.
A growing number of Social Democrats are calling for German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to replace Olaf Scholz as the SPD's candidate for chancellor in the upcoming snap elections, citing Pistorius's popularity and leadership qualities. SPD MP Joe Weingarten and former vice-chancellor Franz Müntefering have expressed support for Pistorius, while a recent poll shows 66% of voters favor him over Scholz. The SPD is scheduled to decide on its candidate at a conference on January 11, amid internal party discussions and dissent.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the first such contact between Putin and a major Western leader in nearly two years. Scholz urged Putin to negotiate with Ukraine for a lasting peace, while Putin insisted on recognizing Russia's territorial gains and security demands. The call comes amid speculation about the impact of President-elect Donald Trump's administration on the Ukraine conflict and Scholz's political challenges at home. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized the call, fearing it could reduce Russia's isolation.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in two years, urging Russia to end its war in Ukraine and engage in peace negotiations with Kyiv. Scholz emphasized Germany's continued support for Ukraine, while Putin insisted that any agreements must consider "new territorial realities" and blamed NATO for the conflict. The conversation was initiated by Germany, and Scholz plans to maintain communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and a commitment to peace negotiations. Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine, while Putin emphasized Russian security interests. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the call, warning against ineffective negotiations. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called for the EU to abandon sanctions against Russia, citing economic concerns.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russian President Vladimir Putin to condemn the deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine, labeling it a "grave escalation" of the conflict. Scholz urged Putin to withdraw Russian forces and negotiate peace with Ukraine. The call, the first between the leaders in nearly two years, was described by the Kremlin as a "detailed and frank exchange." Scholz emphasized Germany's support for Ukraine and condemned Russian airstrikes on civilian infrastructure. The conversation comes amid political pressure in Germany for peace talks, as Scholz's government faces challenges ahead of upcoming elections.