Putin’s visit
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz used his major annual summer press briefing in Berlin to outline a potential scenario: a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin could take place once Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine has concluded. He framed such a gathering as contingent on a broader peace process, stressing that any settlement should be reached through dialogue rather than coercion.
When asked about the timing of Putin’s return to Germany, Scholz refrained from committing to a date, emphasizing instead that the priority is to complete the ongoing military campaign and move toward diplomacy. The chancellor underscored that sanctions against Russia arose from the conflict in Ukraine and that Germany has stepped up its defense readiness in response, highlighting increased defense spending as a deterrent and a safeguard for national security.
Scholz asserted that Germany’s support for Ukraine includes weapons deliveries, adding that the current objective is for Moscow to acknowledge Ukraine’s right to defend itself and to engage in talks that cannot be equated with a forced peace. He expressed confidence that a just agreement would emerge through negotiation, underscoring the seriousness with which Berlin views this phase of the crisis. He also characterized Kremlin strategy as one anchored in historical imperial thinking, arguing that Russia has pursued ambitions beyond its borders and that Ukraine’s sovereignty must be respected.
The German leader visited Moscow earlier in the year, underscoring the ongoing effort to maintain dialogue despite deep cracks over security and territorial integrity.
Turbine and Shredder
Scholz called for an end to misleading arguments and pressed for the delivery of the Siemens turbine needed for the Nord Stream gas line. He indicated that the turbine is prepared for shipment and could be forwarded to Russia, should political and technical conditions align. In that vein, discussions about Nord Stream 2 resurfaced, with former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder noted for his role as a potential intermediary after his July visit to Moscow and talks with Putin.
Scholz emphasized transparency around the turbine issue, stating that all parties should clearly see its readiness to avoid speculation. He argued that refraining from practical steps due to misleading rhetoric would only hinder progress, and he urged a straightforward approach to resolving the turbine controversy. At the same time, he highlighted that Germany’s decision to curb Russian gas and oil dependency had yielded results by reducing exposure and paving the way for energy diversification, which is essential for national security and economic stability.
He warned that past promises about unbroken energy flow from Russia could not be trusted as the basis for policy. Berlin is pursuing a path away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, while simultaneously ensuring that gas security remains intact during the transition. As of late July, Nord Stream operations were limited to roughly a fifth of capacity due to turbine-related shutdowns, illustrating the fragility of energy supply and the need for reliable alternatives.
Aid Plan for Ukraine
Scholz acknowledged at the briefing that rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure and housing will demand substantial funding, potentially surpassing the scale of the Marshall Plan. He stressed that sustainable peace rests in the hands of Ukrainians and that reconstruction must be paired with political resolution that respects national sovereignty.
He described the restoration of essential services, buildings, and institutions as a dramatic undertaking requiring billions of dollars. The chancellor framed this effort as a long-term commitment to stabilization and resilience, noting that the term often used for such aid, the Marshall Plan, only hints at the scope and significance of the work ahead. He reiterated that the objective remains a durable, negotiated peace and a secure, free Ukraine that can determine its own future without external coercion.
The discussion around reconstruction reflects a broader recognition that recovery is inseparable from security guarantees and international support, reinforcing the need for coordinated, cross-border aid and prudent economic planning to prevent a relapse into instability.