German Chancellor Olaf Scholz broke a two-year diplomatic silence with a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging an end to the war in Ukraine.
At a Glance
- Scholz called Putin for the first time in nearly two years, urging Russia to end the war and withdraw troops from Ukraine
- The German Chancellor emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace through negotiations with Ukraine
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned that engaging with Putin might be counterproductive
- Scholz’s call comes as his coalition government has collapsed, with new elections scheduled for early 2025
- Russia expressed openness to negotiations if initiated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump
Scholz’s Diplomatic Outreach
In a bold move, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin, breaking a nearly two-year silence between the leaders. The hour-long call, initiated by Scholz, focused on urging Russia to end its war against Ukraine and withdraw its troops. This unexpected diplomatic engagement comes at a crucial time, as Germany faces political upheaval and the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate.
During the call, Scholz emphasized the need for Russia to engage in negotiations with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace. The German Chancellor’s office released a statement highlighting the key points of the conversation, which included condemnation of Russian aggression and a call for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
I spoke to President Putin on the phone and called on him to end the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and to withdraw his troops. Russia must show willingness to negotiate with Ukraine – with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace. pic.twitter.com/zsfdgfeOfN
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) November 15, 2024
Mixed Reactions to the Call
The diplomatic outreach by Scholz has been met with mixed reactions from international leaders and allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that engaging with Putin might be counterproductive, warning of potential negative consequences. This sentiment reflects the delicate balance between diplomatic efforts and the ongoing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“The Federal Chancellor urged Russia to be prepared to negotiate with Ukraine with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace,” a German government spokesperson said.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, while supporting Scholz’s condemnation of Russian aggression, emphasized the importance of including Ukraine in any discussions about its future. This stance underscores the complex dynamics at play in European diplomacy regarding the conflict.
Germany’s Domestic Political Context
Scholz’s call to Putin comes at a time of significant political change in Germany. The Chancellor’s coalition government has collapsed, leading to snap elections scheduled for early 2025. This domestic instability adds another layer of complexity to Germany’s role in international diplomacy and its stance on the Ukraine conflict.
As Scholz’s time in power appears to be winding down, his actions on the international stage take on added significance. The Chancellor, referred to as the “peace chancellor” by members of his SPD party, has been balancing military aid to Ukraine with efforts to prevent further escalation of the conflict. This latest diplomatic initiative may be seen as part of his legacy as he prepares to potentially leave office.
