Putin and Scholz converse over the phone for the first time in two years, according to Berlin
The two leaders engaged in discussions regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, during which the German chancellor urged Moscow to initiate peace talks with Kiev. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held their first phone conversation in nearly two years on Friday, discussing the Ukraine conflict and the possibility of peace talks between Moscow and Kiev, as reported by German media and confirmed by a government spokesperson.
Initial reports of the planned discussions emerged from German media earlier that day, while the Kremlin only indicated that Putin would participate in an international phone call without providing additional details.
German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit later confirmed to reporters that the call took place and lasted almost an hour. Hebestreit noted that Scholz "insisted on Russia’s readiness to negotiate with Ukraine in order to achieve a fair and lasting peace." He also highlighted Berlin’s “unwavering determination” to support Kiev “as long as necessary.”
In his statements, Scholz urged Putin to end the conflict and “withdraw his troops,” as per the official.
German officials informed the TASS news agency that the two leaders agreed to maintain communication moving forward. Before the phone call with Putin, Scholz reached out to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and plans to speak with him again after the discussion with Putin, according to Hebestreit.
The call marks the first direct interaction between the two leaders since almost two years ago, with the last phone conversation recorded on December 2, 2022. The Kremlin has yet to provide a comment regarding the talks.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Initial reports of the planned discussions emerged from German media earlier that day, while the Kremlin only indicated that Putin would participate in an international phone call without providing additional details.
German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit later confirmed to reporters that the call took place and lasted almost an hour. Hebestreit noted that Scholz "insisted on Russia’s readiness to negotiate with Ukraine in order to achieve a fair and lasting peace." He also highlighted Berlin’s “unwavering determination” to support Kiev “as long as necessary.”
In his statements, Scholz urged Putin to end the conflict and “withdraw his troops,” as per the official.
German officials informed the TASS news agency that the two leaders agreed to maintain communication moving forward. Before the phone call with Putin, Scholz reached out to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and plans to speak with him again after the discussion with Putin, according to Hebestreit.
The call marks the first direct interaction between the two leaders since almost two years ago, with the last phone conversation recorded on December 2, 2022. The Kremlin has yet to provide a comment regarding the talks.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
