The call, according to Reuters, was made at Berlin’s request after strong pressure on Scholz’s Social Democratic Party from populist groups advocating for more diplomacy with Russia.
The hour-long discussion was the first direct communication between the leaders in two years. Scholz’s government emphasized that he underscored Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine and the importance of achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Putin, in turn, reiterated Russia’s position that any agreement must consider its security concerns and reflect “new territorial realities.” The Kremlin noted that the call aimed to advance dialogue, but Ukraine dismissed it as counterproductive.
Defending his decision, Scholz told reporters, “It was important to tell him (Putin) that he cannot count on support from Germany, Europe and many others in the world waning.”
Chancellor Scholz told me that he planned to call Putin. His call, in my opinion, opens Pandora’s Box. There may now be other conversations and phone calls. Just a lot of words.
And this is exactly what Putin has long sought. It is critical for him to weaken his isolation, as… pic.twitter.com/zcTydmnxsM
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 15, 2024
The call came at a time when Western-aligned leaders are increasing engagement with Moscow. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently attended a BRICS summit in Russia, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is set to participate in an EU security summit in Malta this December. It also came just two weeks after the re-election of Donald Trump, known for his ties with the Russian premier, and who has heavily criticized ongoing US support for Kyiv and has pledged to end the war in a day once he takes office.
“In my view it would not be a good idea if there were talks between the American and Russian presidents and the leader of an important European country was not also doing so,” Scholz said.
