German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of keeping the path open for Ukraine to potentially join the European Union and refuted suggestions that Ukraine was responsible for the Russian invasion in a radio interview broadcast on Thursday.

When questioned about aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump's and Russian President Vladimir Putin's perspective blaming Ukraine for the conflict, Scholz firmly stated to the ARD public broadcaster, "It is not. We in Europe insist on this."

Scholz affirmed that the EU is committed to welcoming Ukraine as a possible member, asserting, "Ukraine should not face obstacles in its aspirations to become a democratic, sovereign nation on its path towards Europe."

Regarding a prospective peace agreement, Scholz emphasized the importance of Ukraine maintaining a strong military, stating that this responsibility is shared among Europe, international partners, and transatlantic allies.

With high-level U.S.-Russian discussions potentially downplaying Ukraine and its European supporters, Europe is striving to devise a strategy in response to the conflict, amid concerns that concessions might be made to Moscow to achieve a resolution.