Media: Scholz, Zelenskyy hail Trump’s key role in Ukraine peace talks

Spokesman for the German government Steffen Hebestreit has said that in a phone conversation on March 5, Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated the crucial “leadership role” of US President Donald Trump in ongoing peace talks.

"The chancellor welcomed the Ukrainian president's willingness to enter into negotiations at the earliest possible date," Hebestreit said, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"Both agreed on the importance of the US president's leadership role, also with a view to achieving a swift start to a ceasefire and lasting peace for Ukraine," the spokesman added.

Hebestreit revealed that Chancellor Scholz and President Zelenskyy discussed the current military and humanitarian situation in Ukraine, along with potential steps to achieve a just peace. 

He noted that the sides emphasised the need for swift negotiations to halt the ongoing conflict. 

During the call, Chancellor Scholz expressed his support for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, specifically covering attacks on air, sea, and energy infrastructure. This truce was seen as a starting point for broader diplomatic negotiations aimed at a more durable ceasefire. 

"The Chancellor reaffirmed Germany's ongoing and unwavering solidarity with Ukraine. He assured that Germany would continue to support Ukraine in close coordination with European and international partners until a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace is achieved," Hebestreit added.

Earlier, UK's Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer said that US President Donald Trump's commitment to achieving peace in Ukraine is sincere.

The prime minister added Europe would have to do the heavy lifting as part of a peace deal but reiterated that a peacekeeping force would need strong US backing.

By Naila Huseynova