The Russian Federation could have ended the war today or at any time. However, Russia refused to do so, states the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
According to him, it is impossible to talk about achieving peace in Ukraine without Russia's participation. However, despite everything, Russia continues to wage its war.
"It is true that peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without Russia's involvement. But let's not forget that as we speak, Russia continues to wage its war. We all know that Russia could end the war today or at any time by stopping the attacks and withdrawing its troops," Scholz said.
Scholz noted that Russia has now refused to make a collective call for peace based on the UN Charter and international law.
"An immediate ceasefire without serious negotiations, without a roadmap to a just and lasting peace, would simply legitimize Russia's seizure of Ukrainian land and lead to a new 'frozen conflict,'" the chancellor said.
Peace summit in Switzerland
This weekend, Switzerland is hosting the first peace summit with the participation of about 100 countries and international organizations. However, Russia is not represented at the summit.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia was not invited to the first peace summit because the aggressor country is not interested in peace. Earlier, the head of the Office, Andriy Yermak, said that Ukraine is ready to present a peace plan to Russia, but this will happen after the peace summit.