German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has outlined several points that, in his view, should not be up for debate in any potential negotiations for peace in Ukraine.

Following an emergency summit with some of his European colleagues in Paris, the Social Democrat politician said, "For us, it is clear: The country must be able to continue its path into the European Union, defend its democracy and sovereignty, and be capable of maintaining its own strong army.

"For that, we will also be needed, along with our US and international friends and partners, to ensure that this can indeed be successful in peaceful times."

Scholz added, "These things are not up for negotiation."
The informal discussions in Paris took place against the backdrop of the dramatic shift in Ukraine policy by the new US administration under Donald Trump, focusing on supporting Ukraine and how Europe can strengthen its own security in the long term.