Putin and Scholz Discuss Ukraine Conflict Amid Western Support Uncertainty

Putin and Scholz Discuss Ukraine Conflict

President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a phone call on Friday, marking their first conversation since December 2022. This call occurred amidst uncertainty regarding ongoing Western support for Ukraine.

Scholz expressed his desire to find solutions to the Ukraine war, which is approaching its third year. He previously urged Putin to withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine. A German government spokesperson stated that Scholz pressed Russia to negotiate with Ukraine for a lasting peace.

Before the call, Scholz informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and planned to speak with him again afterward. Zelensky criticized the call, viewing it as an attempt to appease Putin. He remarked that such dialogue serves Putin’s interests by weakening his isolation.

During the conversation, Scholz reiterated Berlin’s condemnation of the invasion and emphasized Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

Russia’s state-run news agency TASS reported, citing an anonymous German official, that Scholz and Putin agreed to maintain future contact. The Kremlin described the exchange as detailed and frank. Putin reiterated his position that NATO is responsible for the war and stated that Russia is open to resuming negotiations halted by Ukraine.

Putin also pointed out the decline in Russian-German relations and indicated Russia’s willingness to cooperate on energy matters if Germany is interested.

This call occurs during a challenging time for both countries. Scholz faces a government crisis and a confidence vote next month, while concerns grow over whether U.S. support for Ukraine will remain strong if Donald Trump is re-elected. Germany, the second-largest military aid supplier to Ukraine after the U.S., has pledged to continue its support.