Scholz's party defends his conversation with Putin

In particular, the radio journalist recalled that Scholz recently announced on ARD that he planned to call Putin soon, but before that, he clarified that he intended to consult with partners, including the United States.

Commenting on the situation, Matthias Miersch, Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), said that although he had no detailed information about the topics of the talks, he had full confidence in Scholz's ability to achieve diplomatic results.

Miersch added that the current German Chancellor has always carefully weighed his actions and coordinated them with international partners.

“I don't know the content of the negotiations at the moment. But I know that Olaf Scholz has been weighing very carefully over the years, especially in close consultation with his partners, when and what diplomatic opportunities will open up,” he said.

Also speaking about the possible organization of a peace conference with the participation of Russia, Miersch noted that the pursuit of diplomatic achievements is important for the international order and is not related to the election theme.

“This issue threatens global stability, and therefore it is important to seek diplomatic solutions,” he added.

In addition, despite the difficulties faced by the West in the face of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Miersch emphasized the importance of diplomatic steps to find a peaceful solution to the war.

Ukraine's reaction

Yesterday, the press service of the German Cabinet of Ministers confirmed Scholz's talks with Putin. They lasted about an hour. During the conversation, the German chancellor condemned Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and called on the Russian president to put an end to what was happening and withdraw his troops.

“The Chancellor called on Russia to negotiate with Ukraine for a just and lasting peace and emphasized Germany's unwavering determination to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression for as long as necessary,” the Cabinet of Ministers added.

Moreover, according to the German side, Scholz had spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in advance and was also supposed to call him after the talks with Putin.

Zelenskyy, for his part, said in an evening address that the Chancellor's call to the Russian dictator was a Pandora's box. The Ukrainian President said that other conversations may follow, but there will be no Minsk-3.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also criticized the call. Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said that the conversation between Scholz and Putin would not help achieve a just peace. Putin, he said, sees persuasion from the West as a weakness.