Putin and Scholz Reconnect in First Phone Call in Two Years – Berlin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin engage in their first direct phone conversation in two years, discussing key global issues. 

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz engaged in their first phone conversation in almost two years. According to reports from German media that reference a government spokesperson, the leaders talked about the Ukraine conflict and possible peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev.

German media initially reported plans for the direct talks earlier on Friday. Meanwhile, the Kremlin had only confirmed that Putin was scheduled to make an international phone call during the day, without offering further details.

However, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit has since confirmed to journalists that the conversation did indeed take place and lasted nearly an hour.

Hebestreit stated that the German chancellor emphasized Russia’s willingness to engage in negotiations with Ukraine to secure a just and enduring peace. Scholz also highlighted Berlin’s steadfast commitment to supporting Kiev “for as long as needed.”

According to the official, Scholz also called on Putin to cease the conflict and “pull back his troops.”

German officials informed TASS news agency that the two leaders have agreed to maintain communication. Before the phone call, the German chancellor also reached out to Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky and plans to speak with him again following his conversation with Putin, according to Hebestreit.

Friday’s call marked the first direct communication between the two leaders in nearly two years. According to the Kremlin, Putin and Scholz last spoke by phone on December 2, 2022.

The Kremlin has not yet provided any comments on the discussions.