In a significant diplomatic move, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz engaged in a rare phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, marking the first direct communication between the two leaders in nearly two years. The conversation comes at a time when the war in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, with fresh concerns over the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict, a development that Scholz described as a “grave escalation.”
According to government sources, Scholz used the opportunity to strongly condemn Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and reiterated his calls for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces. Scholz’s message was clear: Germany stands firm in its support of Ukraine and its right to defend itself against Russian invasion.
The phone call lasted for about an hour, with both leaders engaging in what the Kremlin characterized as a “detailed and frank exchange of opinions on the situation in Ukraine.” Moscow was quick to emphasize that the very act of dialogue between the two nations was a positive step, despite the deep divides that have grown between Russia and the West since the invasion began in February 2022. The Kremlin also confirmed that the call was initiated by Germany, an effort to reestablish communication channels amid the escalating conflict.
While the conversation itself was cordial, the content reflected the growing divide over how to resolve the war. Putin, according to reports from the Kremlin, insisted that any peace deal must be grounded in what he referred to as the “new territorial realities,” a veiled reference to Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories since the beginning of the war. The Russian president also reiterated his claim that the crisis was a direct result of NATO’s “aggressive policies,” specifically the alliance’s expansion into Eastern Europe, which Russia sees as a threat to its security.
Scholz, for his part, condemned Russia’s actions in the strongest terms, particularly highlighting the ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage to essential services. The German leader stressed that Russia must negotiate a fair and lasting peace with Ukraine, and he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Kyiv in its struggle against Russian forces for as long as necessary.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was quick to comment on the phone call, expressing concerns that such high-level dialogues with Putin risked undermining the isolation of the Russian leader on the world stage. Zelensky referred to the conversation as a “Pandora’s box” and warned that any weakening of international pressure on Moscow could lead to further setbacks for Ukraine.
Scholz’s office confirmed that prior to speaking with Putin, the Chancellor had briefed Zelensky on his intentions for the conversation. The German government has made it clear that any diplomatic efforts are fully aligned with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In fact, Scholz is expected to follow up with a call to Zelensky after his conversation with Putin to share the details of their discussion.
Despite Scholz’s firm stance on supporting Ukraine, his government faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international quarters. In particular, the rise of far-right and far-left political movements in Germany has added complexity to the political landscape. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party, and the newly emerging far-left BSW are gaining traction, accusing Scholz’s administration of failing to make significant progress toward peace talks with Russia.
Both parties, which together could command a substantial portion of the vote in upcoming elections, argue that the German government’s focus on military aid and support for Ukraine is prolonging the conflict rather than seeking a diplomatic resolution. Scholz’s political position has been further weakened following the collapse of his governing coalition last week, leaving him to lead a minority government until the federal elections in February. His handling of the Ukraine crisis could become a pivotal issue in his bid for re-election.
While the German Chancellor has consistently advocated for diplomatic engagement, Scholz has also faced criticism for not doing enough to push for peace negotiations. This critique has gained traction as the economic toll of the war weighs heavily on Germany, with rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation all exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. As one of Ukraine’s largest military and financial supporters, Germany has borne a significant share of the burden in Europe’s response to Russian aggression.
Germany’s deep historical ties to Russia, especially through trade and energy relationships, had long shaped Berlin’s foreign policy. However, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine shattered this longstanding approach and has left a profound impact on Germany’s role within the European Union and NATO. Scholz’s government has since become one of the most prominent backers of Ukraine, second only to the United States in terms of military aid and financial support.
Despite this, the prolonged nature of the conflict is beginning to fray public patience. Scholz, who has historically advocated for multilateralism and diplomacy, may see a strategic advantage in pursuing peace talks, especially as the war continues to ravage both Ukraine and Europe. With the possibility of a strong electoral challenge from the far-right and far-left factions, Scholz’s stance on Ukraine could determine his political future. Public opinion polls indicate a growing desire for peace talks, even as the majority of Germans remain supportive of Ukraine’s right to defend itself.
Looking ahead, Scholz is reportedly planning to engage in further discussions with global leaders to seek a path toward de-escalation. There is speculation that he may use the upcoming G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro to discuss the war with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a critical figure in the international balancing act surrounding the Ukraine conflict. China has been a reluctant ally of Russia, offering rhetorical support but distancing itself from direct involvement in the war.
For Scholz, the stakes are high. The political fallout from the war, compounded by economic challenges and electoral pressures, could alter the trajectory of German politics. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, Germany will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of European security and the broader geopolitical landscape. However, how Scholz navigates this difficult terrain could have far-reaching implications for both his leadership and the fate of Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty.
