German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his willingness to continue negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite past conversations yielding little progress.
In an interview with Die Zeit, Scholz acknowledged that his recent phone call with Putin on 15 November was “disappointing” because the Russian leader simply reiterated familiar positions. Nevertheless, Scholz believes it is important to keep communication open, particularly to emphasise Germany’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
Key points from Scholz’s remarks
- Support for Ukraine: Scholz made it clear to Putin that Germany’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast and will not diminish.
- Call for peace: He reiterated the need for Russia to withdraw its troops as a precondition for peace.
- Caution against illusions: While Scholz is open to future conversations, he warned against expecting immediate results, stating, “We should not have any illusions.”
Background
- During their 15 November call, Scholz condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and urged Putin to negotiate a just and lasting peace.
- Germany’s Foreign Ministry has criticised prolonged negotiations with Putin, arguing that they serve his interests by easing international isolation.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected proposals for a “Minsk-3” agreement, emphasising the need for genuine peace rather than superficial ceasefires.
- Leaders like Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have also dismissed telephone diplomacy, insisting that robust Western support for Ukraine is the only effective way to counter Russia’s aggression.
- Scholz has previously sought dialogue with Putin, including a visit to Moscow shortly before the full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, his interactions have often highlighted the challenges of engaging a leader who dismisses international law and clings to imperialistic ambitions.
- Despite these obstacles, Scholz remains committed to keeping the lines of communication open, albeit with tempered expectations.