German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently initiated a pivotal phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking their first conversation in nearly two years. Scholz condemned Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine and urged Putin to withdraw his troops and engage in negotiations for a just and lasting peace. Emphasizing Germany's strong support for Ukraine, Scholz highlighted the need to prevent further escalation and direct Western involvement in the conflict.
The timing of the call coincides with the upcoming G20 summit, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected. Scholz is also actively working towards organizing a second Ukraine peace conference, following a previous summit held in Switzerland. Prior to his conversation with Putin, Scholz discussed the situation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and informed his European and NATO colleagues.
During the call, Scholz criticized not only the Russian military actions but also the potential deployment of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces. He warned that such an escalation would be a severe development. Scholz reiterated Germany's position as a major supporter of Ukraine, only surpassed by the United States.
The conversation with Putin also addressed Russia's insistence on acknowledging new territorial realities and the Kremlin's security demands. Despite these contentious points, Scholz and Putin agreed to keep communication channels open. This dialogue underlines Germany's commitment to finding a diplomatic solution, even as the geopolitical landscape remains tense and complex.
