In a significant phone conversation on Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing grave concern over Russia's escalating actions in Ukraine. The German leader criticized Russia's reported deployment of North Korean troops to the conflict, labeling it a "grave escalation." This was the first time the two leaders spoke in nearly two years, marking a pivotal moment in a relationship that has seen increasing tension since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
During the hour-long conversation, Scholz made it clear that Russia's actions were unacceptable. He urged Putin to put an end to the war and withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine. Scholz also emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful resolution, calling for Russia to engage in negotiations with Kyiv for what he described as a "fair and lasting peace." This strong stance reflected Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
The Kremlin, in its own statement, characterized the call as a "detailed and frank exchange of opinions" about the ongoing situation in Ukraine, suggesting that dialogue, even if tense, was a positive step. Russia acknowledged that both leaders agreed to maintain communication moving forward, although Russian media reported that the German side had initiated the conversation. Putin, however, took a markedly different view of the conflict. According to the Kremlin's statement, Putin told Scholz that Russian-German relations had deteriorated to an "unprecedented degradation" as a result of what it described as Germany's "unfriendly" policies.
The Russian president also laid out his position on any potential peace agreement. He made it clear that for a resolution to be possible, it must reflect the "new territorial realities" — that is, the regions of Ukraine that Russia has occupied since the start of the war in 2022. Putin also framed NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe as the root cause of the conflict, asserting that the current crisis was a direct consequence of NATO's "years-long aggressive policy," which he claimed had been aimed at creating an "anti-Russian bridgehead" within Ukraine.
Scholz, in contrast, strongly condemned Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians, particularly the ongoing airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure. Germany has taken an unwavering stance in support of Ukraine, and Scholz reaffirmed his country's commitment to standing by Ukraine "for as long as necessary." This commitment extends not only in terms of military and financial aid but also in providing humanitarian support.
For Scholz, the phone call with Putin is part of a broader strategy to pursue diplomatic avenues for peace, though the path forward is far from clear. Ahead of the conversation with Putin, Scholz had also spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. German officials emphasized that Scholz had kept Ukraine in the loop, talking to Zelensky both before and after the call to Putin, ensuring that Ukraine’s perspective remained central in the discussions.
But even as Scholz seeks to maintain a dialogue with Moscow, the backdrop to this diplomatic effort is complex. With elections looming in Germany in February, the political landscape is shifting. Scholz's governing coalition collapsed just days ago, and he now leads a minority government, facing increasing pressure to act on behalf of peace. Public opinion in Germany is divided, and voices from both the far-left and far-right political spectrum are calling for more aggressive efforts to push for peace talks.
The far-right AfD and the newly-formed far-left populist BSW, which together could secure a quarter to a third of the votes in the upcoming elections, have been vocal in criticizing the government's handling of the situation. These parties accuse Scholz’s administration of not doing enough to bring the war to an end. This pressure on the German leadership is compounded by economic strains, as the war has taken a significant toll on Germany, particularly with rising energy costs and disruptions to trade.
Scholz's efforts to maintain a dialogue with Putin also highlight the broader strategic interests at play. For decades, Germany and Russia enjoyed close economic ties, especially in the energy sector. Berlin had hoped to foster peace and stability through trade relations, but that approach was shattered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Now, Germany is one of the largest contributors of military and financial support to Ukraine, second only to the United States. This shift in policy has been met with broad political and public support within Germany, as most voters and mainstream politicians believe Ukraine must be supported against Russian aggression.
However, Scholz’s efforts to engage in dialogue with Russia are not without risk. The history of German-Russian relations, particularly the painful memories of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union's past actions in Eastern Europe, looms large. The German government is keenly aware of the potential for accusations of negotiating over Ukraine’s head, especially given the historical sensitivities in Eastern Europe.
Still, Scholz has been adamant that his efforts are not being made unilaterally. He has sought to consult with allies, both in Europe and globally, as part of his strategy to push for peace. Scholz’s potential conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro could further complicate the diplomatic chessboard. China has taken a somewhat lukewarm stance on Russia’s invasion, though it has not condemned Moscow outright. Scholz is expected to use this opportunity to discuss the war and explore potential avenues for peace through Chinese influence.
The last time Scholz spoke directly with Putin was in December 2022. At that time, Scholz had returned from a meeting with Putin in Moscow just a week before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Putin had assured Scholz that Russia had no intention of invading, a promise that was completely undermined when the invasion began. That moment marked a definitive break in the relationship between the two leaders, as trust in Russian promises crumbled overnight.
As Scholz continues to navigate this high-stakes diplomatic effort, the political landscape in Germany remains volatile. His approval ratings have suffered, and his party is facing stiff competition from both the far-left and far-right factions. If Scholz can play a key role in bringing about a peace settlement, however, it could significantly alter his political fortunes, potentially restoring his standing with the German electorate. The war in Ukraine has undoubtedly taken a toll on Germany, but any sign that Scholz is pushing for peace could provide a much-needed boost in the run-up to elections.
As Germany prepares for the upcoming vote, the pressure on Scholz is immense. Whether or not he can successfully balance diplomatic engagement with pressure from both domestic and international fronts remains to be seen. The conversation with Putin was just one step in a larger, complex effort to end the war in Ukraine, but it is clear that the stakes are high, not just for the future of Ukraine, but for the future of Germany’s political landscape.
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