A spokesperson for the German government revealed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz engaged in direct telephone discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. During this conversation, Scholz firmly insisted on the immediate withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine and urged Russia to demonstrate a genuine willingness to engage in dialogue aimed at achieving a just and enduring peace.
In a statement released by government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, Scholz vehemently condemned the ongoing Russian aggression toward Ukraine. He called on Putin to not only cease hostilities but also to withdraw all military personnel currently stationed in Ukraine.
The statement emphasized the chancellor’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, reaffirming that Germany would stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes. Although the concise statement highlighted Scholz’s position, it notably did not include any remarks or feedback from President Putin.
Before communicating with the Russian leader, Scholz briefly spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing intentions to reconnect afterward for further discussion. Reports indicate that the conversation with Putin spanned approximately one hour.
According to the Reuters news agency, the Kremlin acknowledged the call, indicating it had taken place at the request of Berlin. The agency further reported that Putin informed Scholz that any future agreement to conclude the war in Ukraine must account for Russian security concerns and reflect the so-called “new territorial realities” in the region.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that, despite the many profound disagreements between the two leaders, the very occurrence of their phone call was viewed as a “very positive” development.
In stark contrast, Zelenskyy expressed his discontent with the dialogue. In an emotional video address published on his website Friday, he characterized the call as a “Pandora’s box,” arguing that it serves Putin’s longstanding ambitions to diminish Russia’s international isolation.
Zelenskyy underscored that this conversation aligns with what Putin has desired for years: to engage in standard negotiations that ultimately yield no meaningful outcomes. He elaborated that such conversations have historically allowed Russia to maintain its existing policies without significant change, which ultimately culminated in the ongoing war.
While emphasizing Ukraine’s strategic approach towards dealing with Putin, Zelenskyy declared there would be no “Minsk-3,” referring to the previous failed cease-fire negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow regarding the Donbas region. “What we need is real peace,” he asserted definitively.
The call took place approximately one week after Scholz’s coalition government experienced a significant fracture, putting him in a precarious position as he faces new elections slated for early next year.
On the same day, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in a state radio interview, posited that the European Union must reconsider its sanctions strategy targeting Russia, or risk facing severe economic ramifications. He argued that the sanctions, especially those affecting Russia’s energy sector, have contributed to soaring energy prices across Europe.
Orban, known as a close ally to Putin, contended that the existing sanctions regime has failed to achieve its objectives and that without a revision, energy prices will persist at high levels, ultimately jeopardizing the European economy.
Additionally, Orban alluded to the recent victory of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, describing him as “our comrade in arms” and “our fellow peace fighter.” Orban emphasized that this development necessitates a shift in perspective among EU leaders congregating in Brussels, home to the EU headquarters.
He called for a pivot towards a “pro-peace” approach within the EU, signifying a reevaluation of their current stance toward supporting Ukraine.
Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
How does Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s view on negotiations reflect the broader challenges in achieving peace with Russia?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Müller, Political Analyst at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Müller. We’ve just learned about Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent call with President Putin regarding the situation in Ukraine. What are your initial thoughts on this direct engagement?
**Dr. Müller**: Thank you for having me. It’s significant that Chancellor Scholz initiated this dialogue with President Putin, especially following his previous conversation with President Zelenskyy. It indicates Germany’s ongoing efforts to mediate and push for a resolution in the conflict. Scholz’s insistence on an immediate withdrawal of Russian troops reflects a strong stance against aggression, which is important for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
**Interviewer**: The German government spokesperson mentioned that the conversation lasted about an hour. What do you think was the essence of the discussion from Scholz’s perspective?
**Dr. Müller**: The essence of Scholz’s message was clear: he condemned the ongoing aggression and called for concrete actions from Russia. By emphasizing a genuine willingness to engage in dialogue, Scholz is trying to hold Russia accountable while also encouraging a framework for peace. It’s a delicate balance between diplomacy and firm opposition to military actions.
**Interviewer**: Interestingly, the Kremlin acknowledged this call but also stated that any future agreement must address Russian security concerns. How should we interpret this position?
**Dr. Müller**: The Kremlin’s insistence on security concerns indicates that Putin is trying to establish a narrative that justifies his actions in Ukraine. This aligns with Russia’s long-standing strategy of framing any negotiations around its perceived threats from the West. It highlights the complexities of reaching a consensus, as these “new territorial realities” that Putin mentions often clash with international norms regarding sovereignty.
**Interviewer**: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a different perspective on the call, referring to it as a “Pandora’s box.” What implications does this have for Ukrainian diplomacy moving forward?
**Dr. Müller**: Zelenskyy’s remarks highlight the deeply entrenched skepticism in Ukraine regarding negotiations with Russia. His concern is valid; previous dialogues often led to stalled progress. This emotional response suggests that Ukraine may feel pressured by the prospect of negotiations that could legitimize Russian claims or dilute its position. Moving forward, Ukraine will need to navigate these diplomatic waters very carefully, ensuring that any discussions serve its interests and do not inadvertently validate Russia’s actions.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what’s next for Germany and its role in this ongoing conflict?
**Dr. Müller**: Germany must continue to play a supportive role for Ukraine while exploring diplomatic avenues, but it’s essential to ensure that support remains uncompromised. This involves strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine, extending military and humanitarian aid, and also being transparent about the limitations and outcomes of talks with Russia. Scholz’s government is tasked with maintaining this balance as tensions persist. It’s a challenging but critical role in the larger European security context.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights on this complex situation.
**Dr. Müller**: Thank you for having me.
