Scholz urges Ukraine talks in first call with Putin since 2022

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks with Ukraine during their first call in nearly two years.

Scholz “condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and called on President Putin to end it and withdraw troops,” said the chancellor's spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit.

The German leader also emphasized the importance of a “just and lasting peace” and urged Russia to demonstrate a willingness to negotiate with Ukraine, Hebestreit added.

The hour-long call, initiated by Germany, marked the first direct conversation between Scholz and Putin since December 2022.

During the discussion, Scholz particularly condemned Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and warned against the use of North Korean soldiers in combat missions against Ukraine, which he said would escalate the conflict further, according to a German government source.

An explosion after a Russian missile strike is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian missile attack, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 2, 2024. REUTERS

Scholz stressed Germany’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary, calling the war a critical juncture as Ukrainian troops face mounting pressure.

Putin stresses Russian security interests

The Kremlin confirmed the call and described it as a “detailed and frank exchange of views over the situation in Ukraine.”

According to Kremlin, Putin reiterated that any peace agreement must account for Russia's security interests and “new territorial realities".

He also emphasized addressing the root causes of the conflict as part of any accord.

Firefighters work at a site of a Russian air strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine September 15, 2024. Reuters

Before speaking with Putin, Scholz consulted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and plans to update him following the conversation.

Berlin has pledged to keep NATO and European Union allies informed about the discussions.

Geopolitical context

The call comes as Ukraine prepares for its third winter under full-scale invasion, facing widespread destruction of its energy infrastructure from Russian attacks.

A view shows residential buildings heavily damaged during a Russian military attack, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Chasiv Yar, in Donetsk region, Ukraine September 2, 2024. Reuters

Germany remains one of Ukraine’s largest military supporters, second only to the United States.

However, the recent election of Donald Trump as U.S. president-elect has raised questions about Washington's continued support for Kyiv.

On the campaign trail, Trump criticized aid to Ukraine and claimed he could end the war within hours, though Scholz described Trump’s position as “more nuanced” than perceived.

While Putin maintains limited contact with NATO leaders, he continues to engage with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was briefed by Scholz after the call and expressed satisfaction that Scholz upheld the principle of "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine."