Putin "fundamentally miscalculated" and underestimated the courage of Ukrainians and the unity of Europe - Scholz

This was stated by Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz during a speech in the Bundestag.

Scholz called Russia's war against Ukraine "a turning point for the whole of Europe and the world", stressing that Germany and Europe will firmly stand by the Ukrainians.

The Chancellor of Germany believes that Putin "fundamentally miscalculated" in his vision of the organization of European countries and underestimated the unity of Europe and the West.  In addition, the Russian leadership failed to stifle European solidarity by "turning off the gas tap"

"Putin was wrong about the courage of Ukrainians. In Europe. We also have the character of our democracies. In our will to resist the great powers and imperialism. This is the real story of this year," said Scholz.

"None of Putin's plans worked," he emphasized, mentioning the large-scale support of Ukraine from the West.

"The Russian war of aggression means a challenge to the internal cohesion of the European Union. But we have accepted this challenge together," Scholz noted, noting that Germany, Europe and NATO have changed their positions on defense policy in recent months.

Scholz also promised to support Kyiv in all ways "just as much as it will be necessary."  And he added that sanctions against Russia "will remain in place and continue to strengthen as long as Putin continues his brutal military aggression."

• On December 5, Scholz announced Germany's "decisive role" in opposing Putin's imperial ambitions in Europe.  Also, according to him, Germany's new role will require a new strategic culture and the national security strategy, which his government will adopt in a few months, will reflect this fact.
• A few days later, Scholz said he plans to continue the dialogue with Russian leader Vladimir Putin even though he has no intention of backing down.  At the same time, the Chancellor of Germany noted: he does not believe that Putin will stop attempts to occupy Ukraine, even in spite of the serious losses of the Russian army.