Putin's Demand to Halt Arms Support Rejected
"Support for Ukraine Will Continue"
The leaders of France and Germany welcomed the partial ceasefire proposal by the United States and Russia regarding the Ukraine war, while repeatedly emphasizing that Ukraine must participate in the negotiations.
On the 18th (local time), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited Berlin, said, "The goal is a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," adding that a partial ceasefire could be an important first step toward this.
He stated, "The next step must be a full ceasefire and it should happen as soon as possible," and emphasized, "Decisions must not be made excluding Ukraine."
President Macron also said, "The goal is a fully respected, measurable, and verifiable ceasefire," and added, "We must begin detailed peace negotiations that enable a solid and lasting peace along with the necessary guarantees." He further stressed, "All of this is impossible without Ukraine's participation in the negotiations."
On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a halt to Western arms support to Ukraine. In response, Chancellor Scholz stated, "We both agree that Ukraine can rely on Europe. We will not abandon Ukraine," indicating the intention to continue military support.
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