Scholz urges Bundestag to recognize war in Ukraine as an ‘emergency’

He highlighted that the issue concerns peace and security for Germany. Given recent statements from officials in the U.S. administration, he said that this matter can no longer be delayed.

“The Bundestag must urgently adopt a resolution classifying the war in Ukraine and its serious consequences for Germany’s and Europe’s security as an emergency under Article 115, paragraph 2 of the Constitution,” he said.

The chancellor also announced plans to push for discussions within the European Union on new ways to invest in joint defense and strengthen the European defense industry.

He recalled that, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he made a decisive move in response to what he called a “turning point” in history.

“Today, we are again facing this moment," Scholz added.

"We must now understand what the actions and statements of the U.S. administration mean for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the world. To do nothing means jeopardize the security of our country and our continent. I will not allow that.”

Earlier, Scholz called on the United States not to impose a peace agreement on Ukraine after U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to begin negotiations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Trump-Putin talks

On Feb. 12, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

According to Trump, they agreed to start negotiations immediately and arrange mutual visits. The U.S. president also claimed that both he and Putin “want to stop millions of deaths.”

Following his call with Putin, Trump phoned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders reportedly discussed potential peace efforts, Ukraine-U.S. cooperation, and a future security and economic agreement.

That same day, Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, stated that Zelenskyy and Trump agreed to begin working on post-war agreements immediately.

Trump later claimed that both Zelenskyy and Putin “want peace.” He suggested he might meet with the Russian dictator in Saudi Arabia and called Ukraine’s NATO membership and a return to its 2014 borders “unlikely scenarios.”

On Feb. 13, Politico reported that Trump’s call with Putin shocked and angered Ukraine’s allies, warning that his proposed peace plan favors the Kremlin and could mark “a dark day for Europe.”