German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently broke a nearly two-year silence with Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaging in a one-hour phone call on November 15.
The discussion, initiated by Scholz, followed earlier talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Scholz has another conversation planned with Zelensky as well.
During the call, Scholz condemned Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, demanding that Putin end the invasion and pull out his forces. He also pressed for peace talks aimed at achieving a “just and lasting peace,” according to Scholz’s spokesperson. The German leader, through his office, urged Russia to show a genuine willingness to negotiate a fair resolution with Ukraine.
From Moscow’s side, the Kremlin described the exchange as “detailed and frank,” noting Putin’s insistence that any peace agreement must address Russia’s security interests. Putin argued that a future accord should acknowledge the “new territorial realities” and tackle the “root causes of the conflict.”
While Scholz has faced criticism for engaging with Putin, he maintains that dialogue is “absolutely necessary” to bring an end to the war. Germany, despite this diplomatic approach, has still been a strong supporter of Ukraine, second only to the U.S. in providing aid. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has even called for increased arms deliveries to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky, upon hearing the news that the two leaders had spoke, expressed concerns, calling it a “Pandora’s box” that could weaken efforts to isolate Putin. Ukraine’s foreign ministry echoed this sentiment, arguing that actions, not words, are what’s needed to force Russia toward peace
