German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly held a phone conversation lasting about an hour, according to Steffen Hebestreit, a government spokesperson in Berlin.
Scholz speaks to Volodymyr Zelenskyy also
During the call, Scholz urged Putin to demonstrate a willingness to negotiate a “just and lasting” peace with Ukraine. Before the conversation, the chancellor had also spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary.
Olaf Scholz condemned Russia’s war of aggression
Reports quoting sources within Scholz’s administration stated that Scholz condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, highlighting the immense death, suffering, and destruction it has caused over more than 1,000 days. He strongly criticized Russian airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and described the potential involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict as a significant escalation.
Olaf Scholz urges Russia to engage in serious negotiations
The chancellor called on Putin to withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine and urged Russia to engage in serious negotiations aimed at achieving a fair and lasting peace. He also underscored Germany’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense and warned Putin against assuming that time would work in Russia’s favor.
The two leaders agreed to maintain contact regarding the situation, and Berlin has been briefing NATO allies on the discussions.
Zelenskiy warns German Chancellor
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reportedly cautioned German Chancellor Olaf Scholz against engaging in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, arguing that such a conversation could undermine efforts to isolate the Russian leader and prolong the war.
According to the reports, Scholz, a strong supporter of Ukraine throughout its conflict with Russia, had informed Zelenskiy in advance of his intention to speak with Putin. Zelenskiy expressed concerns, stating that reaching out to Putin would alleviate the Russian president’s isolation and serve his interests. The Ukrainian leader reportedly emphasized that Putin is not seeking genuine peace but rather a pause in hostilities.
The call occurred against a backdrop of shifting political dynamics, including recent developments that suggest Scholz’s tenure as chancellor may soon come to an end. It also follows Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory in the United States, a development that could signal changes in Washington’s stance on the conflict.
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