The sanctions put on Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine will not be withdrawn until Moscow secures a peace agreement with Ukraine, according to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who added that it was up to Ukraine to determine what kind of peace it desired.

Scholz told ZDF public television that Putin had overestimated his ability to win land from Ukraine, proclaim an end to hostilities, and see Western nations lift sanctions.

“He didn’t think through his entire Ukraine operation,” Scholz added. “He didn’t expect Ukraine to put up such a fight. He didn’t imagine we’d be able to sustain them for so long… We will not lift the sanctions unless he gets a deal with Ukraine, which he will not get with an imposed peace.”

He said that he had no intentions to visit Kyiv after President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s scheduled trip was canceled owing to Ukraine’s concerns.