Scholz and Putin Discuss Ukraine: Urging Negotiations for Peace Amid Ongoing Conflict

Scholz Urges Putin for Negotiations Amid Ukraine Conflict

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. This was their first public conversation in nearly two years. Scholz encouraged Putin to engage in negotiations with Ukraine.

Putin responded by emphasizing that any peace agreement must recognize Russia’s territorial gains and security demands, including Ukraine’s commitment not to join NATO.

Scholz’s office reported that during the hour-long call, he urged Russia to withdraw troops and end the ongoing invasion that began in February 2022. This conflict is approaching its 1,000th day.

Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated that Scholz highlighted Germany’s commitment to support Ukraine against Russian aggression. The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine in detail.

Scholz faces a political crisis in Germany, prompting calls for a vote of confidence next month. There is speculation about the policy direction of the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Ukraine. While Trump has criticized aid levels to Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Scholz’s outreach to Putin. Zelenskyy described it as “a Pandora’s box,” suggesting it would allow Russia to weaken its isolation without meaningful outcomes.

Scholz condemned Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and warned about North Korea’s involvement in the conflict, noting reports of North Korean troops aiding Russia.

The Kremlin indicated that the call was initiated by Germany. Both leaders agreed to stay in contact following their discussion. Putin stressed that NATO’s policy and security interests of Russia must be respected for any progress in peace talks. He pointed to specific conditions, including Ukraine withdrawing from the territories annexed by Russia in 2022.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed a frank exchange but noted no consensus was reached.