She expressed skepticism of the Nov. 15 conversation, calling it futile.
Valtonen highlighted the importance of coordinating responses with the United States and, above all, with Ukraine.
"The key is to ensure we don’t end up competing for the Kremlin’s attention," she remarked.
Scholz-Putin Phone Call
On Nov. 15, Scholz spoke with Putin for the first time in nearly two years, condemning Russia's war against Ukraine and urging a withdrawal of Russian forces. Scholz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.
The hour-long conversation came after Scholz consulted with U.S. President Joe Biden, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly advised Scholz against the call, later criticizing the initiative, calling it a "Pandora’s box" that plays into Putin's agenda.