Berlin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Friday, marking their first direct conversation in nearly two years. The call has drawn sharp reactions, particularly from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, amid growing political tensions for Scholz ahead of Germany’s snap election in February.

The 90-minute conversation saw Scholz urging Putin to withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine and start meaningful negotiations with Kyiv for a “just and lasting peace.” The German government confirmed Scholz’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. “The chancellor stressed Germany’s unbroken determination to support Ukraine for as long as necessary,” a government spokesperson said.

The phone call is part of Berlin’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine, though it comes as Europe awaits former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the war. The Kremlin confirmed the phone call, stating it was initiated by Berlin. Putin reportedly emphasized that any agreement to end the war must consider Russia’s “security interests” and the “new territorial realities” since the conflict’s escalation.

Putin’s remarks highlight Moscow’s stance on annexing certain Ukrainian territories, a key sticking point in peace talks. Scholz did not publicly address these concerns following the conversation.

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy strongly criticized the phone call, claiming it played into Putin’s hands by reducing his international isolation. Zelenskiy argued that such talks offered no tangible progress toward peace and instead helped Putin regain global standing. He warned that the call could “open a Pandora’s box,” undermining efforts to isolate the Russian leader diplomatically.

Scholz’s decision to re-engage with Putin may be influenced by domestic political pressures as Germany prepares for its snap election. The German Social Democrats (SPD), Scholz’s party, are facing growing criticism, particularly from populist factions within Germany sympathetic to Russia. These critics have called for more diplomatic efforts toward peace, accusing Scholz of being too rigid in his support of Ukraine.

Some European leaders have raised concerns that such talks could undermine Western unity and weaken efforts to isolate Russia. While some see the call as a necessary step toward peace, others fear it may embolden Putin.

The phone call highlights the divided geopolitical response to the war in Ukraine and the challenges Scholz faces as he seeks a balanced foreign policy while addressing domestic political pressures. The international community remains closely watching Germany’s evolving approach to Russia and Ukraine in the lead-up to the February election.