German Chancellor Scholz open to more dialogue with Russia's Putin

The previous phone call with Putin was "necessary" to convey that Germany's support for Ukraine will not weaken and to urge Putin to withdraw troops to create a basis for a peaceful process, according to Scholz.

"This needs to be done, and I will do it again. But we should not harbor any illusions about this," he said.

Scholz initiated the call with Putin in mid-November, the first since December 2022, which drew criticism from neighboring EU countries. Scholz described the conversation as "unpleasant," noting that Putin's arguments were essentially repetitive.

Scholz's telephone conversation with Putin

Scholz held a nearly hour-long phone call with Putin on Nov. 15, condemning Russia's war against Ukraine and urging troop withdrawal, as reported by DW. Scholz also reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed. Prior to the call, Scholz spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Reuters reported that Zelenskyy had warned Scholz against calling Putin, later criticizing the initiative and emphasizing that such talks play into Putin's hands.

German tabloid Bild reported that the call between Scholz and Putin was coordinated with U.S. President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron nearly a month before it took place.

Scholz stated on Nov. 17 that his call with Putin aimed to demonstrate the West's unwavering support for Ukraine.