Scholz and Zelenskyy push for peace talks with Russia on Ukraine war

On a recent Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need for a peace conference that includes Russia to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concurred on the importance of involving Russia in future discussions aimed at resolving the war. Scholz highlighted the urgency of finding a solution, stating that the current situation must be addressed more swiftly than it has been so far. The previous peace conference held in Switzerland on June 15-16 saw participation from 78 countries, all expressing support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. However, the conference did not yield a clear path forward, and notably, Russia was absent from these discussions. Scholz's remarks come amid rising political discontent in Germany regarding the government's support for Ukraine, particularly in light of recent state elections where populist parties gained traction by opposing military aid. Some members of Scholz's Social Democratic Party have begun advocating for a stronger focus on diplomatic efforts with Russia, reflecting a shift in public sentiment. Zelenskyy has also proposed a 10-point peace formula, which includes demands for the withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and accountability for war crimes committed during the conflict. The call for a new peace conference signifies a critical moment in the ongoing war, as both leaders seek to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy while addressing domestic pressures and the urgent need for peace in Ukraine.