Putin and Scholz Have Frank Phone Conversation About Ukraine

Kremlin Holds Firm to “New Reality on the Ground”

Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a “frank” conversation on Friday at the initiative of Berlin regarding the conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin stated, “Views were exchanged in detail and frankly on the situation in Ukraine,” marking their first contact in two years.

During the conversation, Scholz urged the Russian leader to withdraw his troops from Ukraine and negotiate with Kyiv, while Putin asserted that any potential agreement to end the war in Ukraine must reflect the “new reality on the ground.”

Scholz reiterated Germany’s “determination to support Ukraine for as long as necessary in its defensive struggle against Russian aggression.” He also called on Russia to “show willingness to start negotiations with Ukraine aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.” He confirmed the “European Union’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine,” according to a statement from the German government.