Scholz supports inviting Russia to second Peace Summit

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz backs the idea of inviting Russia to the second Peace Summit and is convinced it is time to discuss ways to end the war.

Scholz said in a long interview with German public-service television broadcaster ZDF that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shares this view.

"I believe now is the moment for us to discuss how we can end the war and achieve peace sooner than currently seems possible," Scholz added.

He added that he had had a "very confidential conversation" with Zelenskyy and that they have a good relationship.

Earlier, Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office, noted that an invitation for a Russian representative to attend the second Peace Summit should not be interpreted as the start of negotiations with Russia.

He further stressed that Ukraine wants to hold the second Peace Summit no sooner than the preparation of a joint plan to implement each point of the Peace Formula is completed.

President Zelenskyy expressed hope that the preparatory document for the second Peace Summit would be ready by November.