Scholz Putin Ukraine/ Germany Russia call/ Zelenskyy reaction Scholz/ Ukraine peace talks/ North Korea Russia troops/ Newslooks/ BERLIN/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held his first conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in nearly two years, urging Moscow to withdraw its troops and pursue peace negotiations with Ukraine. The call sparked criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned it could reduce Russia’s isolation. The Kremlin reiterated demands for recognition of territorial gains and NATO concessions.
Scholz-Putin Talks: Quick Looks
- Historic Call: First direct dialogue between Scholz and Putin since December 2022.
- Key Message: Scholz pushed for a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
- Kremlin Demands: Putin reiterated conditions, including recognition of annexed territories and Ukraine’s NATO neutrality.
- Zelenskyy’s Criticism: Ukraine’s leader called the call a mistake, undermining Russia’s isolation.
- North Korea’s Role: Scholz condemned North Korean troop deployments to Russia as an escalation.
Germany’s Scholz Speaks with Putin: 1st Call in 2 Years Amid Ukraine War
Deep Look
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s unexpected call with Russian President Vladimir Putin marks a significant diplomatic moment as the war in Ukraine nears its 1,000th day. The hour-long conversation, initiated by Germany, focused on the urgent need for peace but revealed stark divides in how the conflict should be resolved.
Scholz’s Push for Peace
Scholz emphasized Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine “as long as necessary” and urged Putin to engage in meaningful negotiations. German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit summarized Scholz’s position:
“The chancellor stressed the importance of a just and lasting peace, grounded in the withdrawal of Russian forces and the end of aggression.”
Scholz also condemned Russian airstrikes on civilian infrastructure and warned against North Korea’s reported deployment of troops to Russia, which the U.S. and its allies view as a dangerous escalation.
Kremlin’s Response
The Kremlin characterized the exchange as “detailed and frank,” with Putin asserting that peace talks must recognize Russia’s territorial claims and security concerns. The Kremlin statement highlighted:
- Recognition of Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions in 2022.
- Ukraine’s renunciation of its NATO ambitions.
- Security guarantees for Russian-speaking populations.
“Agreements must account for new territorial realities and address the root causes of the conflict,” the Kremlin noted.
Zelenskyy Pushes Back
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy openly criticized Scholz’s decision to engage with Putin, warning it plays into Moscow’s hands by reducing its international isolation. In his nightly address, Zelenskyy stated:
“This is exactly what Putin has wanted for a long time … weakening his isolation through meaningless negotiations.”
Zelenskyy has consistently rejected any peace deal that compromises Ukraine’s territorial integrity, underscoring that Kyiv will not cede land in exchange for an end to hostilities.
Broader Implications
The call takes place amid growing speculation about how U.S. foreign policy under President-elect Donald Trump will affect the war. Trump has suggested he could broker a quick resolution, but his comments have raised concerns in Kyiv and among NATO allies that he may push for concessions favoring Moscow.
Meanwhile, Europe faces mounting pressure to bolster its own defense capabilities. Analysts note that calls like Scholz’s may signal Europe’s efforts to navigate potential shifts in U.S. policy.
A Complex Path Forward
While the dialogue between Scholz and Putin represents a rare high-level connection, it underscores the immense challenges of finding common ground. German and Russian officials agreed to remain in contact, but both sides made it clear that no convergence of views had been reached.
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