Scholz discusses Ukraine with Putin in first such call in two years
Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned ‘Russia’s war of aggression’ against Ukraine during the call.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in what was the Kremlin leader’s first publicly announced conversation with the sitting head of a major Western power in nearly two years.
Mr Scholz urged Mr Putin to be open to negotiations with Ukraine, his office said.
The Kremlin leader responded that any peace deal should acknowledge Russia’s territorial gains and security demands, including that Kyiv renounce joining Nato.
Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Mr Scholz urged Mr Putin in the hour-long call to withdraw his troops and end the full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.
The conflict will reach its 1,000th day on Tuesday, and exiled Russian opposition leaders, including Alexei Navalny’s widow Yulia, have set an anti-war rally for Sunday in Berlin.
“The chancellor urged Russia to be willing to negotiate with Ukraine with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace and stressed Germany’s unwavering determination to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression for as long as necessary,” Mr Hebestreit said in a statement.
