Scholz Shares Insights from Conversation with Putin, Germany Reports
The German chancellor held talks with the Russian president for the first time in almost two years, focusing primarily on the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has shared insights from his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pointing out that the Kremlin's position on the Ukraine conflict remains unchanged.
The hour-long conversation took place on Friday and marked the first direct dialogue between the leaders of Europe’s two most influential nations in nearly two years.
“The conversation was very detailed but contributed to a recognition that little has changed in the Russian president’s views of the war – and that’s not good news,” Scholz mentioned to reporters during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, where he is attending the G20 summit.
During the call, Scholz reiterated Germany's ongoing commitment to support Ukraine alongside its Western allies. He underscored the significance of maintaining a dialogue with Moscow, despite the various challenges it presents. “It was important to tell him [Putin] that he cannot count on support [for Kiev] from Germany, Europe, and many others in the world waning,” he remarked.
Addressing concerns that his outreach could compromise Western unity, Scholz contended that keeping diplomatic channels open is essential. “There are those in Germany who consider the lack of negotiations with Putin a good idea, but I am not one of them,” he asserted.
Scholz indicated his intention to continue engaging in conversations with Putin, emphasizing the need for ongoing diplomatic efforts. “Soon I will talk to the president of Russia again,” he stated, highlighting the importance of communication among key leaders.
He added, “In my view, it would not be a good idea if there were talks between the American and Russian presidents and the leader of an important European country was not also doing so.”
The chancellor called on Putin to pursue negotiations with Kiev to foster lasting peace and withdraw Russian troops from the Ukrainian territory that Berlin recognizes.
The recent call occurred amid a backdrop of heightened engagement between leaders aligned with the West and Moscow, suggesting that various diplomatic initiatives are in progress. Many officials in Berlin have expressed their belief in the necessity of dialogue with Russia, while the Kremlin has repeatedly stated its openness to negotiations, claiming that Ukraine is obstructing the process.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
The hour-long conversation took place on Friday and marked the first direct dialogue between the leaders of Europe’s two most influential nations in nearly two years.
“The conversation was very detailed but contributed to a recognition that little has changed in the Russian president’s views of the war – and that’s not good news,” Scholz mentioned to reporters during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro, where he is attending the G20 summit.
During the call, Scholz reiterated Germany's ongoing commitment to support Ukraine alongside its Western allies. He underscored the significance of maintaining a dialogue with Moscow, despite the various challenges it presents. “It was important to tell him [Putin] that he cannot count on support [for Kiev] from Germany, Europe, and many others in the world waning,” he remarked.
Addressing concerns that his outreach could compromise Western unity, Scholz contended that keeping diplomatic channels open is essential. “There are those in Germany who consider the lack of negotiations with Putin a good idea, but I am not one of them,” he asserted.
Scholz indicated his intention to continue engaging in conversations with Putin, emphasizing the need for ongoing diplomatic efforts. “Soon I will talk to the president of Russia again,” he stated, highlighting the importance of communication among key leaders.
He added, “In my view, it would not be a good idea if there were talks between the American and Russian presidents and the leader of an important European country was not also doing so.”
The chancellor called on Putin to pursue negotiations with Kiev to foster lasting peace and withdraw Russian troops from the Ukrainian territory that Berlin recognizes.
The recent call occurred amid a backdrop of heightened engagement between leaders aligned with the West and Moscow, suggesting that various diplomatic initiatives are in progress. Many officials in Berlin have expressed their belief in the necessity of dialogue with Russia, while the Kremlin has repeatedly stated its openness to negotiations, claiming that Ukraine is obstructing the process.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
