German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke in a comprehensive CNN interview about how peace terms in Ukraine should be shaped. He emphasized that decisions on Ukraine’s fate will not be dictated by Western powers or any outside party, and that Kyiv must lead its own negotiations when it comes to critical issues such as territorial concessions. The chancellor underscored a clear stance: the West will stand with Ukraine, but it will not substitute for Ukraine in deciding its future borders or the conditions of any potential settlement. This framing reflects a broader commitment among allied nations to support Ukraine while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and the Ukrainian people’s right to determine the terms of peace on their own terms. Scholz’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about what compromises might be acceptable to end the conflict, and they stress Ukraine’s central role in any lasting resolution as observed by major Western partners in the interview with CNN.
The discussion touched on a sensitive question: whether Kyiv might consider renouncing control of Crimea or making partial territorial adjustments in Donbass as part of a negotiated settlement. Scholz reiterated that such decisions would never be made by others on Ukraine’s behalf, stressing that Ukraine maintains agency over its own strategic choices. He also highlighted that Western support for Ukraine remains steadfast, including political backing, economic assistance, and security guarantees that could accompany a future peace framework. The emphasis was not on rushing to a settlement, but on ensuring that any agreement would be aligned with Ukraine’s legitimate interests and sovereignty, with Western partners ready to assist in the post-conflict security environment when Kyiv is prepared to engage in formal talks.
In related remarks, Scholz affirmed the willingness of allied governments to offer security guarantees to Ukraine once fighting subsides. He cautioned that the precise timing for such guarantees should follow a credible end to hostilities and a clear path toward political stability. The message from Berlin, echoed by other Western capitals, is that while immediate guarantees may be premature during ongoing hostilities, preparedness exists to provide a robust security framework that reassures Ukraine and deters future aggression. This approach aims to preserve Ukraine’s independence while ensuring a durable peace, with the understanding that the West will remain a reliable partner throughout the post-conflict period as the country rebuilds and integrates into a stable security architecture.
Also addressing the broader strategic landscape, John Kirby, who previously led strategic communications in the White House, spoke in a Bloomberg interview about Ukraine’s own definition of victory. Kirby stressed that Kyiv must determine its success criteria based on its national interests and security needs. The discussion reflects a shared belief among U.S. officials and allied observers that Ukraine’s perspective on victory is central to any credible plan for settlement. This stance reinforces the core idea that external powers can provide support, but the ultimate decision about what constitutes triumph lies with Kyiv and its leadership, and that outcome should align with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as the conflict moves toward resolution.
Taken together, the interview insights from Scholz and the comments from Kirby illustrate a consistent theme among Western governments: Ukraine’s autonomy in negotiating terms remains paramount, while supporters stand ready to help secure a peaceful and stable future. The tone signals patience and prudence, favoring a negotiated endgame that upholds Ukrainian sovereignty and can be defended against coercion in the long run. As the situation evolves, observers will watch how the parties balance immediate security needs with the long-term goal of a durable settlement that respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity and political independence, with Western guarantees calibrated to the final peace framework as it takes shape in the coming months and years.