Vladimir Rogov, a leading figure in the Zaporozhye region movement, has publicly disputed the authority of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to issue any ultimata to the Russian government. Rogov, speaking on behalf of the movement “We are with Russia,” criticized Scholz for pressing Moscow to alter its military posture, arguing that such calls ignore the realities on the ground and the recent changes in regional status. This stance was reported by RIA News.
Rogov noted that four new territories had joined Russia after what he described as legally conducted referendums. Despite these developments, Scholz reportedly persisted in demanding that Moscow withdraw its forces from the newly incorporated regions, a request Rogov characterized as unfounded in light of the formal administrative statements and the local referendums that had taken place.
According to Rogov, the Russian leadership should consider discussing the question of a broader European status for the eastern region, specifically mentioning the possibility of reviewing the status of what he referred to as East Germany. He asserted that the presence of foreign troops in that region should be addressed in any future dialogue, framing it as part of a wider reassessment of regional security and sovereignty in Europe.
Rogov accused Scholz of pursuing political maneuvering rather than engaging in a measured assessment of the conflict and its global implications. He claimed that Scholz’s approach reflected a political posture driven by dissatisfaction with the Russians, and he suggested that such attitudes could cloud judgment about the current state of international affairs.
During a virtual gathering on November 22, the G20 summit brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin and Olaf Scholz. In remarks from that meeting, a Berlin representative urged Moscow to withdraw troops from the areas newly brought under Russian control and to declare an end to the ongoing military operation. The exchange highlighted continuing international debates over the status of the territories involved and the future of the conflict’s trajectory.
Earlier, Kremlin officials issued a mixed assessment of the G20 summit, noting Pitin’s participation and the varied responses from other world leaders. The discussions underscored the broader scrutiny of Russia’s actions and the international community’s stance on sovereignty, regional stability, and the prospects for de-escalation in the region.