Chancellor of Germany

Olaf Scholz

allows further negotiations with Russian President

Vladimir Putin

on the end of Russia's war against Ukraine.

He stated this in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), which was published on December 17, writes DW.

According to Scholz, Germany's goal is for Russia to stop the war, and for Ukraine to protect its integrity.

For this, "it is necessary to speak", the chancellor believes.

How future negotiations will take place - "via video link, telephone or at a long table" - Scholz does not yet know.

The head of the German government noted that Moscow must understand that it cannot continue like this any longer - Putin needs to withdraw his troops, stop the war and create an opportunity for mutual understanding.

In light of the military failures of the Russian Federation, the chancellor noted that there is a great possibility of escalation on the battlefield.

Earlier, Scholz said that Putin "fundamentally miscalculated", underestimating the unity of the countries of Europe and the West in their efforts to help Ukraine.

An attempt to organize a gas crisis in Germany will fail, the chancellor is sure.

He does not see the danger of a gas crisis either this or next winter due to Russian gas.

A special government program designed to mitigate the consequences for citizens will help to overcome the problems.