German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday for the first time in nearly two years, urging the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw his troops. The hour-long call, confirmed by German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, saw Scholz pressing Putin for negotiations aimed at achieving a "just and lasting peace."
According to Hebestreit, Scholz condemned "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine" and highlighted the "death, suffering, and destruction" that the conflict has caused for more than 1,000 days. Scholz specifically criticized Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and expressed concerns about reports suggesting the potential deployment of North Korean troops to assist Russian forces, which he described as a "serious escalation."
The timing of Scholz's outreach is significant, given the complex geopolitical landscape. Just days earlier, the German chancellor had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, informing him of his planned conversation with Putin. According to a source close to Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president warned Scholz that engaging with Putin could undermine efforts to isolate the Russian leader. "The President said this would only help Putin by reducing his isolation. Putin doesn't want real peace, he wants a break," the source said.
During the call, Scholz reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine "for as long as necessary." He emphasized to Putin that any assumptions of time being on Russia's side were misguided. Scholz's stance, according to insiders, reflects Berlin's unyielding support for Kyiv and its determination to hold Moscow accountable for the ongoing conflict.
The Kremlin, for its part, characterized the exchange as a "detailed and frank" discussion, initiated by Germany. Putin reportedly insisted that any peace agreement must take into account Russia's security concerns and reflect "new territorial realities." He reiterated that addressing the "root causes" of the conflict would be central to any resolution.
Scholz's efforts to engage Putin have stirred reactions across Europe. While some view the dialogue as a necessary step toward peace, others, including key Ukrainian officials, see it as potentially counterproductive. In his nightly address, Zelenskyy described the call as opening "Pandora's box" by potentially weakening international efforts to isolate Putin. "Now there may be other conversations, other calls. Just a lot of words. And this is exactly what Putin has long wanted," Zelenskyy said, stressing that "talk only gives Putin hope of easing his international isolation."
The German chancellor's outreach also comes at a critical juncture as Ukraine braces for a challenging winter and faces heightened uncertainty following Donald Trump's recent election victory in the United States. Trump's past criticisms of military aid to Ukraine have cast doubt on the future of U.S. support, raising concerns in Kyiv and among European allies.
In a recent interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Scholz described a "detailed and good" conversation with Trump, noting that the incoming U.S. president had a "more nuanced position than is often assumed" regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who was briefed on the call between Scholz and Putin, expressed cautious approval. "I was pleased to receive the information that the chancellor not only unequivocally condemned Russian aggression, but also repeated the Polish position: 'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,'" Tusk wrote on social media.
Scholz's diplomatic maneuver underscores Germany's efforts to maintain its role as a key mediator and supporter of Ukraine while seeking avenues to de-escalate the conflict. His conversation with Putin marks the first such engagement since December 2022, reflecting the challenges and sensitivities inherent in diplomatic dialogue amid ongoing hostilities.
Berlin officials confirmed that Scholz and Putin agreed to remain in contact and that the German government would keep NATO and EU allies informed of any developments. As Scholz prepares for the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil, where he may encounter Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, his role as a key interlocutor in the complex and evolving dynamics of the Ukraine conflict will undoubtedly remain in the spotlight.
This article includes reporting from Reuters and DW.
