German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin held telephone conversations, their first in nearly two years.
Moscow revealed the details of the call between President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, which was the first since December 2022.
The Kremlin statement said: “There was a detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine.”
“Putin noted that the current crisis was a direct result of many years of NATO’s aggressive policy aimed at creating an anti-Russian launching pad on Ukrainian territory, while ignoring the security interests of our country and trampling on the rights of the Russian-speaking population,” the press release stated.
Putin also informed the German Chancellor that potential agreements regarding Ukraine “must take into account Russia’s interests in the security field, and also be based on new regional realities, and eliminate the root causes of the conflict.”
Putin also touched on cooperation with Germany, and the statement said: “The situation in Russian-German relations was also touched upon, and Vladimir Putin pointed to their unprecedented deterioration in all directions as a result of the unfriendly course of the German authorities.”
Putin drew attention to the fact that “Russia has always clearly fulfilled its obligations in the field of energy, and is ready to cooperate if Germany expresses its interest.”
The statement stated, “The two leaders agreed after the conversation that their aides would be in contact.”
A German government source reported that “the call between Schulz and Putin “lasted an hour,” and it was the first between the two sides since December 2022.”
A German government spokesman stated that Schulz told Putin, “Russia must arrange negotiations with Ukraine with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace,” adding that Germany will support Ukraine as long as necessary, calling for the need to end the war in Ukraine.
The last phone conversation between Schulz and Putin was in December 2022, before the start of the military operation in February 2022, where they spoke at length, and the German Chancellor then tried to persuade Moscow to reverse its decision to launch a military operation in Ukraine, according to Bloomberg.
Last updated: November 16, 2024 – 14:54
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How might the rekindled communication between Germany and Russia affect other European nations’ diplomatic strategies?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Geopolitical Expert: Unpacking the Scholz-Putin Call
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re discussing a significant geopolitical event—German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, their first conversation in nearly two years. To shed light on this issue, we have Dr. Elena Vostrova, an expert in international relations and Eastern European politics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Vostrova.
Dr. Elena Vostrova (EV): Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. This call is notable because it marks a substantial gap in communication. What do you think prompted this long-awaited dialogue between Scholz and Putin?
EV: It’s indeed significant. The prolonged absence of direct communication suggests a breakdown in relations. However, recent escalations in the Ukraine conflict and growing concerns in Europe regarding security and stability might have compelled both leaders to reconnect. Scholz, facing pressure from within Germany and Europe, may see dialogue as the only way to mitigate tensions.
TNE: The Kremlin’s statement indicated that there was a “detailed and frank exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine.” What are the implications of Putin’s remarks regarding NATO’s policies and their perceived threat to Russia?
EV: Putin’s remarks reflect a consistent narrative from Moscow. By blaming NATO’s expansion, he aims to frame Russia as a victim of Western aggression, which resonates with domestic audiences and justifies his actions in Ukraine. This rhetoric also serves to rally support within Russia while trying to undermine the legitimacy of NATO in the eyes of the international community. For Germany and Europe, it complicates diplomatic efforts, as it shows a deep-rooted perception of threat from the Russian side.
TNE: It seems like the situation is at a stalemate, particularly with Putin insisting that any agreements must align with Russia’s security interests. How do you see this affecting future negotiations regarding Ukraine?
EV: Putin’s insistence on prioritizing Russian security interests suggests he is not willing to budge easily. Future negotiations are likely to face significant hurdles if both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Without a willingness to compromise, any potential agreement could be more a reflection of temporary ceasefires rather than a long-term resolution. Scholz, and indeed other European leaders, will have to navigate this complex landscape very carefully.
TNE: You mentioned that the call also touched upon Russian-German relations, which Putin described as “unprecedented deterioration.” What do you think this means for future diplomatic ties between Germany and Russia?
EV: The phrase “unprecedented deterioration” signals that the relationship is at one of its lowest points in recent history. For Germany, maintaining a constructive dialogue is crucial; they are one of the major powers in Europe and have significant economic ties with Russia. However, any engagement must balance national interests with public sentiment, especially with the ongoing discussions about support for Ukraine. The relationship may improve somewhat if dialogue continues, but it will take significant effort from both sides to rebuild trust.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Vostrova. Given the current global political climate, how should other European nations respond to this rekindled communication between Germany and Russia?
EV: Other European nations should closely monitor the outcomes of this dialogue. It’s essential for them to be proactive rather than reactive. Unity among EU and NATO allies is crucial, especially in responding to Russian narratives and actions. Additionally, member states should increase their diplomatic efforts to establish a collective strategy towards addressing Russian aggression while supporting Ukraine, both militarily and economically.
TNE: Fascinating insights, Dr. Vostrova. The situation remains dynamic, and it’s clear that communication is key, even amidst tensions. Thank you for your expertise on this complex issue.
EV: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these important topics.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Let’s keep an eye on how these discussions evolve in the coming weeks.