Scholz talks to Putin for first time in several years – media

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on 15 November, calling on the Kremlin leader to end the war and withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine. Source: Suddeutsche Zeitung; European Pravda Details: The conversation, which neither side officially announced, "took place on Friday afternoon following extended preparations".

No details about the discussion have been disclosed by either Moscow or Berlin.

Steffen Hebestreit, spokesperson for the German federal government, reported that Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine during his conversation with Vladimir Putin. Scholz urged the Russian leader to end the conflict and withdraw troops from Ukrainian territory. "The Federal Chancellor insisted that Russia must be ready to negotiate with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace, emphasising Germany's unwavering determination to support Ukraine in the peace process," the statement read.

The German government added that Scholz reaffirmed Germany's steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression "for as long as necessary".

This marks the first direct communication between Putin and Scholz since their last phone call on 2 December 2022.

Scholz is now the first leader of a government that strongly supports Ukraine to re-establish direct contact with the Russian leader.

Background:

• Previously, Scholz had repeatedly stated his willingness to engage in talks with Putin to explore possible solutions for ending Russia's aggression against Ukraine. 
• Recently, the German chancellor expressed readiness to hold negotiations with the Russian leader "soon".
• Meanwhile, the Kremlin had claimed that Putin was open to speaking with Scholz but said no proposals for discussions had been received from Berlin.

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