Overview

• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed willingness to engage in another phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite finding their previous conversation unproductive and frustrating.
• Scholz emphasized the importance of making it clear to Putin that German support for Ukraine remains steadfast and that Russian troops must withdraw to enable peace efforts.
• The previous call, initiated by Scholz in November 2024 after nearly two years without direct contact, was criticized by Ukraine, neighboring EU countries, and some German voices.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Scholz of opening a 'Pandora’s box' with the outreach, reflecting broader skepticism about engaging with Putin.
• Scholz, positioning himself as a 'chancellor of peace,' maintains no illusions about the likelihood of success but views dialogue as a necessary step toward resolving the conflict.