Scholz on call with Putin: No shift in stance on Ukraine war
Photo: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Getty Images)
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has not changed his stance on the war in Ukraine. However, speaking with Putin was worthwhile, states German Chancellor Olaf Scholz according to The Guardian.
Speaking at Berlin Airport on Sunday, November 17, just before departing for the G20 summit in Brazil, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that it was important to talk to Putin to dispel any illusions he might have that the West is about to stop supporting Ukraine.
"The conversation was very detailed but contributed to a recognition that little has changed in the Russian President’s views of the war – and that’s not good news," Scholz told reporters.
He added, referring to the potential return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, that it would also be problematic if Washington maintained regular contacts with Putin while no European leader did.
Scholz-Putin conversation
On November 15, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.
Before speaking with Putin, Scholz consulted with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy opposed the idea.
Following the conversation with Putin, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that the call between Scholz and Putin would not help achieve a just peace. They believe that the Kremlin leader views Western pleas as a sign of weakness.
