On December 7, 2024, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed optimism regarding potential agreements with US President-elect Donald Trump about a joint strategy concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. Scholz stated that he has had extensive phone conversations with Trump and is in direct dialogue with his security policy team.
When asked whether Ukraine would have to cede territory for peace, Scholz emphasized that no decisions should be made without the input of the Ukrainian people.
On the same day, Trump is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris during the ceremony marking the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to attend, and a trilateral meeting between Trump, Macron, and Zelensky is possible.
During his campaign, Trump claimed he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, but there has been no indication of how he intends to achieve this.
Scholz also dismissed any discussions about deploying German troops in a potential international peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, stating, "As long as the war continues, there will be no German soldiers in Ukraine." He added that security guarantees for Ukraine would need to be discussed later to ensure that Russia does not invade again.
Last week, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's comments regarding the potential involvement of German soldiers in peacekeeping forces sparked debate in German politics. Scholz reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that it provides the most significant support among European nations.