In December 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in nearly two years, stirring controversy and concern in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the move, fearing it would weaken Russia's isolation and lead to meaningless negotiations. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry echoed Zelenskyy's sentiment, viewing the call as unproductive in the pursuit of peace.
Scholz urged Putin to cease the aggression against Ukraine and engage in negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace. However, Putin maintained that Russia's interests and the recognition of new territorial realities must be considered in any agreement. This stance was seen as an attempt to secure territorial gains made during the conflict.
The call between Scholz and Putin sparked fears of a return to ineffective peace agreements similar to the previous Minsk accords, which failed to bring about lasting peace. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine seeks a genuine peace, not a mere ceasefire that could prolong conflict.
Critics in Ukraine labeled Scholz's outreach as appeasement, potentially giving Putin leverage and undermining international efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically. The discussion raised alarms about the potential involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Amid these tensions, Germany reiterated its support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's continued military aggression. While Scholz aimed to facilitate dialogue, the call highlighted the deep divisions and complex challenges facing any path to peace in the region.
