Germany's Scholz Calls for Negotiations with Putin on Ukraine Conflict After Two-Year Hiatus

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently engaged in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking their first direct communication in nearly two years. Scholz urged Russia to negotiate with Ukraine, aiming for a fair and lasting peace. The Kremlin indicated Moscow's openness to talks, referencing Putin's earlier suggestion that Ukraine should relinquish territory and abandon its NATO aspirations.

Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit reported that Scholz condemned Russia's military actions in Ukraine during the call. He called for an end to the conflict by withdrawing troops that invaded in February 2022. This conflict will reach its 1,000-day milestone next week. Scholz emphasised Germany's steadfast support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Germany's Support and International Concerns

Germany has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since late 2022. The conversation between Scholz and Putin occurs amid speculation about the impact of President-elect Donald Trump's administration on Ukraine. Trump has questioned the level of aid provided to Ukraine and suggested a quick resolution could involve Kyiv ceding territory to Moscow.

The German leader criticised Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. He also warned against North Korean troop deployment to Russia, which would escalate the conflict significantly. The US, South Korea, and Ukraine claim North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia in the war.

Kremlin's Perspective and Conditions

The Kremlin stated that Germany initiated the call, during which both leaders had an open discussion about the situation in Ukraine. Putin attributed "the current crisis" to NATO's "aggressive policy" aimed at establishing an anti-Russian presence in Ukraine while disregarding Russia's security concerns and the rights of Russian-speaking residents.

Putin reiterated Russia's willingness to resume peace talks, highlighting conditions set in June. These include Kyiv renouncing its NATO bid and withdrawing from four Ukrainian regions annexed by Moscow in 2022. He stressed that any agreements should consider Russia's security interests and address the conflict's root causes.

Ongoing Dialogue and Bilateral Relations

Putin noted the significant decline in relations between Germany and Russia, as stated by the Kremlin. The leaders also discussed developments in the Middle East during their conversation. They agreed to maintain contact following the call, which reportedly lasted about an hour according to German media.

The German news agency DPA mentioned that Scholz and Putin last spoke by phone in December 2022. Before this recent call, Scholz had communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and planned to do so again afterward.

The upcoming Tuesday marks 1,000 days since Russian troops invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, although hostilities began in 2014. The ongoing dialogue between Germany and Russia reflects efforts to address the prolonged conflict while considering international implications.