The German Chancellor Scholz claimed he intended to “make clear” to the Russian leader the need for his contribution to ending the conflict and withdrawing troops.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that he intends to continue to speak directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the hope that in this way he will contribute to the end of the conflict in Ukraine.
“I have spoken with the Russian president and I will speak with him again,” Scholz said in Berlin at a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. Scholz claimed he intended to “make clear” to the Russian leader the need for his contribution to ending the conflict and withdrawing troops. “I think this is something that needs to be said,” he added.
At the same time, Scholz reiterated that “no decision can be taken behind the backs of the Ukrainians.”
Putin, while answering questions on December 19 during a combined year-end question and answer session and press conference, said Moscow was ready to negotiate on Ukraine without preconditions, but taking into account the current situation and on the basis of the previously reached agreements.
Scholz made a telephone call to Putin on November 15. Before that, the two leaders spoke by phone on December 2, 2022. In their last conversation, according to the Kremlin, they discussed Ukraine, the Middle East and bilateral relations. Putin and Scholz agreed that their aides would be in touch.
