In mid-November, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since 2022. The conversation, as Scholz later revealed in an interview with ZDF, was far from pleasant but deemed necessary. The chancellor described the exchange as “responsible and important,” despite its challenging nature.
Scholz recalled his initial meeting with Putin before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At that time, he had explicitly voiced his opposition to any potential aggression, pointing out that Putin’s subsequent justifications for the war were entirely detached from reality.
Despite repeated phone conversations with Putin throughout 2022, Scholz noted that these discussions were neither easy nor constructive. The recent call proved no different. “Putin has not shifted his position or stepped back even slightly,” Scholz stated, adding that the Russian leader merely reiterated the same arguments.
Addressing expectations that a single conversation could lead to peace, Scholz dismissed such notions as “illusory.” He emphasized that achieving peace requires more than dialogue—it demands significant changes in Russia’s actions.
During the call, Scholz reiterated Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine and urged Putin to find a way out of the conflict. “You must stop your attacks and withdraw your troops,” Scholz told the Kremlin leader, stressing that the aggression must end.
The November 15 call, the first in two years, came at a critical juncture in the ongoing war. Scholz used the opportunity to condemn Russia’s actions and advocate for meaningful negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. However, Putin showed no willingness to engage in such talks.
The chancellor faced criticism for engaging with Putin, but he defended his decision, arguing that open lines of communication are vital, even when no immediate progress is visible. Scholz underscored that Germany would not reduce its support for Ukraine and made clear that the responsibility for ending the war lies squarely with Russia.
While the conversation highlighted the persistent impasse, it reaffirmed Germany’s stance against Russian aggression and its commitment to Ukraine. Scholz’s approach underscores the complexity of diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts, where perseverance and principle often confront intransigence.
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