Scholz, Macron call for cease-fire in Ukraine

Berlin, May 9 (EFE).- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron called here Monday for a cease-fire in Ukraine, saying it is a necessary step toward eventual in-person talks aimed at restoring peace.

“We have to look for ways to end this war. But there must first be a cease-fire, and it’s clear that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are a prerequisite for a future peace,” Scholz said.

Macron echoed that sentiment, saying that although Russian President Vladimir Putin did not indicate plans to further escalate the conflict during his speech Monday at his country’s annual World War II Victory Day celebration in Moscow, his words were insufficient to make peace talks a consideration.

“We need a cease-fire. Only with a cease-fire can there be peace negotiations,” the president said ahead of bilateral talks with the German chancellor.

The trip to the German capital was Macron’s first visit abroad since being re-elected for a second term last month.

The talks between the two leaders will focus on the war in Ukraine, the future of the European project, closer cooperation between their countries in the areas of defense and foreign policy and the goal of making Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels.

“It was clear to me that after re-election I had to travel to Berlin. We want to reinforce everything that France and Germany have built over so many years, and hopefully the friendship that exists between our two countries will allow us to achieve important things in the coming months,” Macron said.

Both leaders also referred to the importance of sanctions against Russia, while Macron said he hopes European Union members reluctant to imposing an embargo on Russian oil and gas will reconsider. EFE

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