A potential forthcoming peace agreement “cannot be a dictate” imposed on Ukraine against its wishes, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Feb. 17, following the European leaders' summit in Paris.

A potential forthcoming peace agreement “cannot be a dictate” imposed on Ukraine against its wishes, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Feb. 17, following the European leaders’ summit in Paris.

According to The Guardian, the chancellor stated that Europe must continue to support Ukraine and maintain a united stance with the United States on security issues.

Scholz emphasized his support for peace negotiations but insisted they should not be imposed.

“We welcome negotiations on a peace agreement, but for us, it is clear that this cannot be a dictate,” he said.

He added that Ukraine should be able to defend itself and continue its path toward the European Union. According to Scholz, this should not be a subject of negotiations.

At the same time, Scholz described the proposal of deploying European troops in Ukraine as “speculative” and the discussions on this matter premature.