German Chancellor Scholz Speaks with Russian President Putin
Berlin, Germany – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, November 15, 2024. The phone call, which lasted approximately one hour, was the first direct contact between the two leaders in over a month.
According to a statement released by the German government, the conversation focused on the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Scholz reiterated Germany’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Putin, for his part, reiterated Russia’s position that it is acting in defense of its national interests and protecting ethnic Russians in Ukraine. He also accused the Ukrainian government of being “neo-Nazi” and of carrying out “genocide” against Russian-speakers in the eastern part of the country.
Other Topics Discussed
In addition to Ukraine, Scholz and Putin also discussed other issues, including:
- The global energy crisis and the importance of ensuring a stable supply of natural gas to Europe.
- The situation in Syria and the need for a political solution to the conflict.
- The need for a comprehensive agreement on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Dialogue Amidst Tensions
The phone call comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West. In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine and has threatened to use nuclear weapons if its territory is threatened. The Western powers, including Germany, have condemned Russia’s actions and have imposed sanctions on the country.
Despite the tensions, Scholz emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with Russia. He said that it was necessary to “keep talking” and “explore all diplomatic avenues to end the war.”
Reactions
The phone call has been met with mixed reactions. Some commentators have welcomed the resumption of dialogue between Russia and the West, while others have expressed skepticism about whether it will lead to any concrete results.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he “welcomed” the call between Scholz and Putin, but stressed that “words must be followed by deeds.” He called on Russia to “withdraw its troops and stop killing innocent people.”
Next Steps
It remains to be seen whether the phone call between Scholz and Putin will lead to any tangible progress towards ending the war in Ukraine. However, the fact that the two leaders were able to speak directly is a small sign that diplomacy may still be possible.
Bundeskanzler Scholz telefoniert mit dem russischen Präsidenten Putin
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