According to the German chancellor, there is a possibility of talks with Putin on ending the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Germany put the first liquefied gas LNG terminal into operation in record time.
The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz (SPD), has expressed the possibility of talks with the Russian president, Putin, about ending the war in Ukraine. "Our goal is for Russia to end the war of aggression and for Ukraine to protect its integrity," the German chancellor told the Süddeutschen Zeitung newspaper. About this "it will be necessary to talk", said Scholz. "Whether that will be done over the phone, video conference or at a long table remains to be seen."
Russia must "understand that it cannot continue like this," the German chancellor said, according to the news agency, dpa. Putin should "end the war, withdraw the troops and thus create the opportunity for dialogue." The appeal may be just that, according to Scholz. "Putin, end the war. The risk of an escalation due to Russia's military failure is 'great.'" In early December, the German chancellor called the Russian president for the first time since September. In the nearly 1-hour conversation, the German chancellor sought a diplomatic solution as soon as possible, according to German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit.
Furthermore, the German chancellor told SZ that he does not expect a gas supply emergency this winter. He referred to the German government's large aid programs, under which "with this amount it is expected that we will soften the high prices this winter and next," Scholz told the German newspaper. In the future, the situation in the energy markets will improve, according to Scholz. Gas supply even after the interruption of Russian gas will be ensured for the next winter.
Meanwhile, on Saturday (17.12.) Germany put into operation the first floating LNG terminal in Wilhelmshafen with the participation of Chancellor Scholz and other ministers of the German government. This terminal will help to make Germany independent from Russian gas. It was built in record time in a few months and will receive LNG ships from next week. In this terminal, liquid gas will be returned to solid form for its passage to the gas pipelines.