Scholz's call with Putin: An attempt to show solidarity with Ukraine prior to German elections? - DW News [View all]

On Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke, a call which marked their first direct contact in nearly two years. A picture of the call was posted to Scholz’s account on social media platform X. According to the German government, Scholz told Putin to end his war and withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine. He also urged Russia to be prepared to negotiate with Ukraine, with the aim of achieving "a just and lasting peace" and reiterated Germany's support for Kyiv. Scholz spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before his call with Putin.