Scholz holds talks with Putin: First details emerge
Photo: Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (RBC-Ukraine collage)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. These are the first talks in two years, according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung and Tagesschau and the press service of the German Cabinet of Ministers.
According to Sueddeutsche Zeitung, the conversation took place today, November 15, in the afternoon after extensive preparations. Details of the talks have not yet been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Tagesschau reported that the call lasted about an hour.
Conversation details
The German government’s press office confirmed the discussions between Scholz and Putin.
The German Chancellor condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, urging Putin to end the conflict and withdraw troops.
"The Chancellor called on Russia to engage in negotiations with Ukraine aimed at a just and lasting peace and emphasized Germany's unwavering commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression for as long as necessary," the statement added.
It was also noted that Scholz spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the call and plans to do it again afterward.
Context of the call
Earlier today, Bloomberg reported Scholz’s intention to hold talks with Putin. Their last conversation took place in December 2022.
European leaders' contacts with the Russian President ceased after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Recently, Scholz has repeatedly expressed his readiness to reopen dialogue with Putin to seek a resolution to end the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has also demonstrated its readiness for such discussions.
By the way, this contact between Scholz and Putin took place after the media spread rumors about US President-elect Donald Trump's talks with the head of the Kremlin. Trump reportedly urged Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine during their talks.
