During a visit to Kazakhstan, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was met with a call for peace in Ukraine. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, while acknowledging the ongoing conflict, expressed his belief that Russia cannot be defeated militarily. He urged Scholz to support China’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine, which he believes could bring an end to the war.
Scholz, however, countered Tokayev’s assertion, stating that Germany’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense stems from the fact that Russia invaded the country. He emphasized Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense and territorial integrity. While acknowledging the need for peace, Scholz stressed the importance of continuing to explore opportunities for peaceful development.
This meeting comes amidst ongoing discussions about the potential use of long-range weapons to target sites within Russian territory. Ukrainian officials have been advocating for the use of these weapons, hoping to disrupt Russian operations and prevent further attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. However, the U.S. has thus far authorized the use of American-supplied weapons only within a limited area near the Ukrainian border.
Despite the lack of immediate action, discussions on allowing long-range strikes are believed to have taken place during a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington. The potential consequences of such strikes remain a topic of concern. Russian officials have repeatedly warned that using long-range weapons would provoke further escalation and deepen the conflict between Russia and the West. Their statements align with the Kremlin’s narrative, which casts NATO countries as participants in the conflict and threatens a response to any escalation.
The situation in Ukraine continues to be a focal point for international attention, with ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution amidst complex geopolitical realities.
