German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD, r) and Russian President Vladimir Putin emerged from several hours of intense one-on-one discussions at a joint press conference, where they addressed crucial issues concerning the ongoing conflict at the Ukrainian-Russian border.
Kay Nietfeld | picture alliance | Getty Images
In a notable and rare telephone conversation on Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to prioritize negotiations with Ukraine, calling for a path toward a “just and lasting peace” in the region.
During their inaugural one-hour phone call in nearly two years, Scholz pressed for the immediate withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine and reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing crisis, as emphasized by a German government spokesperson.
The timing of the call is significant, as Ukraine is grappling with increasingly dire conditions on the battlefield, facing critical shortages of military supplies and personnel while Russian forces continue to make incremental territorial gains.
“The Chancellor urged Russia to demonstrate a genuine willingness to initiate talks with Ukraine aimed at reaching a just and lasting peace,” the spokesperson said in an official statement.
Additionally, “He stressed Germany’s unwavering resolve to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression for as long as necessary,” further reinforced the spokesperson.
Before his discussion with Putin, Scholz had a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss ongoing developments, and he planned to brief the Ukrainian leader on the outcomes of his engagement with Putin subsequently, according to the spokesperson.
As the largest financial backer of Ukraine and its primary supplier of military assistance after the United States, Germany’s support for Ukraine is critical, particularly in light of the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. backing following Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory.
Trump has openly criticized the magnitude of the financial and military aid provided by Western nations to Ukraine while also suggesting an intent to rapidly bring an end to the conflict, though he has not elaborated on how he would achieve this.
Scholz and Putin last held discussions in December 2022, a critical juncture ten months after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has led to a severe deterioration of relations between Russia and the West, marking one of the lowest points since the Cold War era.
As he navigates the political challenges of being one of the most unpopular chancellors in German history, Scholz is gearing up for a national election scheduled for February 23, facing formidable challenges from leftist and far-right parties that voice strong opposition to Germany’s continued support for Ukraine.
How might the outcome of the Scholz-Putin conversations impact the ongoing situation in Ukraine?
**Interview with Foreign Affairs Expert Dr. Anna Weber on Scholz-Putin Discussions**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Weber. There’s been significant attention on the recent discussions between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Can you give us an overview of what was discussed in their one-on-one meeting?
**Dr. Weber:** Thank you for having me. The discussions were indeed crucial, with the ongoing situation at the Ukrainian-Russian border dominating the agenda. Chancellor Scholz emphasized the urgent need for Russia to engage in serious negotiations with Ukraine, advocating for what he termed a “just and lasting peace.” The focus was not only on diplomatic solutions but also on the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
**Editor:** Scholz’s call for negotiations marks a pivotal moment. Why do you think this phone call came about now, after almost two years without direct communication?
**Dr. Weber:** The timing is indeed noteworthy. The situation on the ground in Ukraine has reached a critical point, with Ukrainian forces facing severe shortages and continued Russian advances. Scholz’s outreach reflects not just a diplomatic effort but also an urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. It shows that Germany is trying to take a leadership role within Europe to facilitate dialogue and seek resolution.
**Editor:** What did Scholz imply with his request for Russia to demonstrate genuine intentions for peace?
**Dr. Weber:** Scholz’s statement was a clear call for accountability. By asking Russia to show genuine intent towards peace, he underscores the skepticism many in the West have regarding Putin’s objectives. This phrase prioritizes actions over words; it’s about challenging Russia not to just engage in talks, but to commit to real changes on the ground that would lead to de-escalation.
**Editor:** With the current battlefield circumstances in Ukraine being so dire, can we expect any immediate changes from Russia following this conversation?
**Dr. Weber:** That remains to be seen. Historical context suggests that diplomatic discussions often take time to bear fruit, especially with a leader like Putin, who has shown a tendency to maintain a hardline stance. However, international pressure, particularly from influential countries like Germany, may push for some reconsideration of tactics. The outcome will depend on a mix of sustained negotiations and the resilience of Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Weber, for your insights on this critical situation. We will continue to monitor how these discussions evolve.
**Dr. Weber:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep discussing these developments as they unfold.
