In an interview published on Friday in the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper, Scholz emphasized that Russia should not aim for a mere "cold peace" by establishing a new border between Russia and Ukraine, as it would only legitimize Putin's actions.

Instead, he stressed the importance of a fair and just peace, which necessitates the withdrawal of Russian troops.

Regarding the future of Crimea, which was occupied by Russia in 2014, Scholz refrained from providing explicit remarks.

When asked if his condition applied to Crimea, he reiterated his previous statement, emphasizing the withdrawal of troops.

He further clarified that it is not Germany's role to dictate the agreements Ukraine wishes to pursue.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine can be traced back to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, a region that was previously part of Ukraine. The annexation of Crimea was widely condemned by the international community, as it violated Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Following the annexation of Crimea, pro-Russian separatist movements emerged in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. These separatists, supported by Russia, declared independence and sought to break away from Ukraine. The conflict escalated into a full-blown armed conflict between Ukrainian government forces and separatist militias.

Russia's involvement in the conflict has been a subject of ongoing controversy. While the Russian government has denied direct military involvement, there is evidence to suggest that Russia has provided military support, weapons, and troops to the separatist groups. This has been a major point of contention, with Ukraine and Western countries accusing Russia of aggression and interference in Ukrainian affairs.

The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life, displacement of civilians, and economic damage in the affected regions. Multiple ceasefire agreements have been reached over the years, but the situation remains fragile, with periodic outbreaks of violence and ongoing tensions.

International efforts to resolve the conflict have involved diplomatic negotiations, mediation, and economic sanctions against Russia. The conflict in Ukraine has broader geopolitical implications and has strained relations between Russia and Western countries, particularly the European Union and the United States. (ILKHA)