Scholz Opposes Ukraine Peacekeepers, Calls for Negotiations

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has deemed discussions about sending peacekeepers to Ukraine as 'premature and inappropriate,' suggesting such debates imply that Ukraine will not reclaim its occupied territories. He emphasized the necessity of ending the conflict and initiating real negotiations before considering security guarantees for Ukraine. Scholz also criticized a proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which suggested aiding Ukraine in exchange for rare earth minerals, arguing that European support should be unconditional. He highlighted that Ukraine will need continued financial and military assistance from its allies to sustain its forces. Scholz's comments reflect a broader concern about ensuring Ukrainian sovereignty and the importance of Ukrainian involvement in any discussions regarding their future. Amid these discussions, Scholz's party is experiencing declining approval ratings just weeks before the German elections.