First conversation between German Chancellor Scholz and Putin in 2 years
In his first conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2 years, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine and to begin negotiations with Kyiv that would pave the way for a "just and lasting peace."
İHA
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time in 2 years. A statement from the German government said, "The Chancellor urged Russia to be willing to enter into negotiations with Ukraine with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace. He emphasized Germany's unwavering determination to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression for as long as necessary."
KREMLIN CONFIRMS THE CALL
In a statement from the Kremlin, it was noted that the call took place at Berlin's request, adding, "Putin told Scholz that any agreement to end the war in Ukraine must take into account Russia's security interests and reflect new territorial realities."
REACTION FROM UKRAINE
According to an unnamed official from the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Zelenskyy warned Scholz against holding a phone call with Putin. The Ukrainian official told Reuters, "The President said this would only help Putin by reducing his isolation. Putin does not want a real peace, he wants a break."