Sanctions Won’t Be Lifted until Russia Signs Peace Deal with Ukraine, Says Germany’s Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses the media during a joint press statement as part of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Monday, May 2, 2022. (AP)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses the media during a joint press statement as part of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Monday, May 2, 2022. (AP)
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Sanctions Won’t Be Lifted until Russia Signs Peace Deal with Ukraine, Says Germany’s Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses the media during a joint press statement as part of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Monday, May 2, 2022. (AP)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses the media during a joint press statement as part of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Monday, May 2, 2022. (AP)

The sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine will not be lifted until Moscow reaches a peace agreement with Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, adding that it was for Ukraine to decide what peace it wanted.

Interviewed on ZDF public television, Scholz said Putin had miscalculated if he had anticipated that he might be able to gain territory from Ukraine, declare an end to hostilities and see Western countries drop sanctions.

"He didn't think his entire Ukraine operation through," Scholz said. "He didn't think Ukraine would resist like that. He didn't think we would support them to hold out for so long... We won't withdraw the sanctions unless he reaches an agreement with Ukraine, and he won't get that with a dictated peace."

He added that he had no plans to visit Kyiv after a planned trip by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier had been dropped due to Ukraine's objections.



China Urges Philippines to Stop Provocation in South China Sea

A China Navy Ship with bow number 574 observes the Philippines United States Japan Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity off a disputed South China Sea shoal on Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP)
A China Navy Ship with bow number 574 observes the Philippines United States Japan Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity off a disputed South China Sea shoal on Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP)
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China Urges Philippines to Stop Provocation in South China Sea

A China Navy Ship with bow number 574 observes the Philippines United States Japan Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity off a disputed South China Sea shoal on Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP)
A China Navy Ship with bow number 574 observes the Philippines United States Japan Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity off a disputed South China Sea shoal on Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP)

China's foreign ministry on Friday urged the Philippines to immediately stop "infringement and provocation" in the South China Sea or face China's "resolute response."

The remarks came a day after Beijing and Manila traded accusations following a confrontation between two of their vessels in contested waters of the South China Sea, Reuters said.

It was legitimate for China to take necessary measures, and the US should not use the Philippines to stir up trouble in the region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily press conference.