Scholz and Merz discuss Trump-Zelenskyy tension and its aftermath

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reached out to his likely successor Friedrich Merz to discuss the fallout from the confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

According to Report, citing German media, Scholz contacted Merz on the evening of February 28 after the heated exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy.

This call came as a surprise, as it was previously emphasized in Berlin that Scholz did not see a need for closer engagement with the winner of the upcoming elections during the transition period. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit had stated earlier that there was no need for coordination between Scholz and Merz before the upcoming Ukraine summit in London on March 2.

Both leaders are aligned in their views on the gravity of the situation.

In a post on X, Scholz stated, "Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians do. Therefore we are working on a common path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe."

Merz also expressed solidarity, writing, "Dear Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we stand with Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war."