German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is defending his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin-a move that has drawn ire from NATO allies, including Poland and Ukraine. The one-hour conversation, held late last week, marked the first direct communication between the leaders in nearly two years and comes as tensions escalate over Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk sharply criticized Scholz's approach, warning that "telephone diplomacy cannot replace real support" for Ukraine. Tusk emphasized that a substantial aerial campaign launched by Russia over the weekend only underscores the futility of diplomatic overtures in stopping Putin's aggression. "No one will stop Putin with phone calls," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Moscow unleashed a massive barrage of around 120 missiles and 90 drones on Ukraine's energy infrastructure overnight, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Among the weapons reportedly used were hypersonic Zircon and Kinzhal missiles, as well as Iranian-made Shahed drones. "Kyiv intercepted over 140 targets," Zelensky stated, but the scale of the assault reflects Russia's intensified military strategy.
Scholz, facing mounting pressure ahead of snap elections in Germany, said his call was aimed at urging Putin to withdraw troops and negotiate with Ukraine for a "just and lasting peace." "Russia must show willingness to negotiate," Scholz asserted in his statement. The timing of his outreach has raised concerns among other NATO allies, who see it as a potential fracture in Western unity.
Critics of Scholz's call include Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who decried the move as a flawed attempt at diplomacy with a "genocidal dictator." Landsbergis emphasized that "true peace can only be achieved through strength."
Speculation is mounting that the incoming U.S. administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, could seek a controversial ceasefire arrangement with Moscow. Reports suggest one possible outcome may involve a demilitarized zone in eastern Ukraine, effectively conceding substantial territory to Russian control. Such an agreement would raise alarms in Kyiv and across NATO's eastern flank, where allies fear being sidelined.
Defending his actions, Scholz argued that European engagement with Putin is necessary, particularly if American leaders pursue talks with Moscow. "In my view, it would not be a good idea if there were talks between the American and Russian presidents and the leader of an important European country was not also doing so," Scholz said, underscoring Europe's stake in the negotiations.
The Kremlin's readout of the call described it as an "in-depth and frank exchange of views" on the conflict. It also reiterated that any future peace agreements must reflect "new territorial realities." The discussion was reportedly initiated by Berlin, with aides to both leaders agreeing to maintain further contact.
Zelensky, however, expressed skepticism and concern over Scholz's decision. "This is exactly what Putin has wanted for a long time: it is crucial for him to weaken his isolation," Zelensky said during a televised address. He likened the call to opening "Pandora's box" and warned that it might lead to a flurry of diplomatic gestures with little substance.
The timing of Scholz's conversation with Putin comes amid shifting dynamics in Western engagement with Moscow. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres recently attended a BRICS summit in Russia, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend an EU-hosted security meeting in Malta. The prospect of Trump's return to the White House further complicates the diplomatic landscape, with potential implications for NATO cohesion.
Scholz emphasized that he sought to make clear to Putin that any hope of weakening Western resolve was misplaced. "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.
