KIEV, Feb 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, yesterday, held a meeting with visiting German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, to discuss regional security challenges.
After the talks in Kiev, Zelensky told reporters that, the two parties talked over the peace process in and around Ukraine and the legal guarantees that would help to protect Ukraine.
In particular, Zelensky said that, Ukraine needs energy security guarantees, due to the risks associated with the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline.
Besides, the parties discussed steps that have been made, within the framework of a peaceful settlement in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, in particular, the two rounds of talks in the Normandy format, at the level of political advisors.
“We expect that, in the near future, we will be able to hold further talks and agree on a summit of the leaders of the Normandy Four,” Zelensky said.
For his part, Scholz said, Germany is trying to find a diplomatic solution, to the situation around Ukraine.
“Together with France, we have intensified our efforts in the Normandy format. It’s a difficult process, but I’m sure it’s worth the effort,” Scholz said.
Zelensky and Scholz also discussed Ukraine’s aspirations to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), during their talks.
Ukraine and Germany are members of the Normandy format that includes Russia and France.
Scholz arrived in Kiev earlier in the day for a working visit. Today he will visit Moscow.
Since Nov, Kiev and some Western countries have accused Russia of assembling heavy troops near the Ukrainian border, with a possible intention of “invasion.”
Russia denied the accusation, saying that, Russia has the right to mobilise troops within its borders, to defend its territory, as NATO’s activities constitute a threat to Russia’s border security.– NNN-AGENCIES
