Scholz reaffirms plans for further talks with Putin
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Getty Images)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said he wants to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin again, Tagesschau reports.
"I have spoken with the Russian president and will speak with him again," Scholz stated during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
Scholz explained that the purpose of such conversations with Putin "will always be to make it clear that his contribution to ending the conflict lies in halting aggression and withdrawing troops."
The German Chancellor also discussed when he might hold the next conversation with Putin and under what conditions.
Scholz-Putin talks
In November, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. It was the first such discussion in two years. Later, Scholz stated that Putin had not changed his stance on the war in Ukraine, but talking to him was still worthwhile.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry reacted to the Scholz-Putin conversation, saying it would not help achieve a just peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented that Scholz's call to Putin was like opening Pandora's box.
