German Chancellor Scholz to Speak with President Putin to End Russian Aggression in Ukraine

German Chancellor Scholz to Speak with President Putin to End Russian Aggression in Ukraine

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin again, following his recent resumption of contact with Putin over the past month.

During a press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Friday, Scholz said, "I have spoken with the Russian President and will speak with him again," though he did not specify when the next conversation would take place.

The purpose of such discussions, Scholz explained, would be "to make it clear that his (Putin's) contribution to ending this conflict would be to halt the aggression and withdraw troops."

In mid-November, Scholz spoke with Putin over the phone for the first time in more than two years. This call sparked strong reactions from Ukraine, with criticisms accusing Scholz of breaking Putin’s international isolation.

Scholz reiterated Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating, "We will continue to stand by Ukraine."

He emphasized the need to pursue a "sustainable, lasting peace" for Ukraine, adding, "Nothing should be decided over the heads of the Ukrainians."

"Russia must not win this war," Scholz concluded.