Olaf Scholz is optimistic about a united strategy between the U.S. and Germany regarding the war in Ukraine.

The Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, expressed hope for the development of a joint strategy to resolve the war in Ukraine alongside the newly elected President of the United States, Donald Trump. He made this statement in an interview with the German press group Funke, as reported by Le Monde.

“I have already had a lengthy phone conversation with the future American president (...) I am very hopeful that we can develop a joint strategy for Ukraine to bring an end to the conflict,” Scholz emphasized.

The Chancellor highlighted that decisions regarding Ukraine cannot be made without the involvement of the Ukrainians themselves. “My main principle remains unchanged: nothing should be decided over the heads of the Ukrainians. I made this clear once again to President Zelensky during my visit to Kyiv earlier this week,” noted Scholz.

These statements came ahead of the opening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, where world leaders will gather. As the publication mentions, this event could serve as a platform for diplomatic negotiations and a potential first meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Both were invited to France by President Emmanuel Macron.

Scholz also reminded of the need for collective efforts from the international community to ensure peace, emphasizing the role of transatlantic partnership in addressing global conflicts.