Olaf Scholz Urges Putin to Withdraw Troops from Ukraine in Recent Call Amid Political Turmoil in Germany
In a rare phone call on Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine and engage in negotiations with Kyiv, seeking a just and lasting peace. This marked the first conversation between the two leaders since December 2022 and was significant in light of escalating tensions surrounding the conflict.
The one-hour discussion followed reports of Putin's prior conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated intentions to swiftly end the war in Ukraine. German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit highlighted that Scholz emphasized Germany's unwavering resolve to support Ukraine against Russia's aggressive actions as long as necessary. Following his call with Putin, Scholz communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and planned further discussions with Kyiv.
According to the Kremlin's account of the conversation, Putin expressed that any future agreements concerning Ukraine must reflect the new territorial realities and tackle the conflict's root causes. He reiterated Russia's long-standing demands for an end to the war, insisting that Ukraine renounce its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from four regions claimed by Russia.
Scholz's willingness to engage in dialogue with Putin comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, as Russian forces, allegedly bolstered by North Korean soldiers, prepare for a significant offensive. Scholz voiced concerns about the presence of North Korean troops, which represents a dangerous escalation in the conflict. Both leaders agreed to maintain contact moving forward.
This engagement with Putin is likely to stir frustration in Ukraine, particularly in light of recent anxieties surrounding U.S. military support under Trump's upcoming administration. Zelenskyy had previously cautioned Scholz against engaging Putin directly, arguing it could undermine the isolation of the Russian leader and prolong the war. In recent statements, Zelenskyy suggested that the war would conclude sooner under Trump's leadership, highlighting the urgency of achieving fair peace.
Scholz's approach is also complicated by recent political turmoil in Germany. Following the ousting of his finance minister, the German government faces a snap election scheduled for February 23. The issue of military support for Ukraine has emerged as a contentious topic amid this political crisis, with Scholz's reluctance to supply long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine drawing criticism. He defended this decision, claiming it has helped prevent further escalation of the conflict.
In contrast, European conservative leader Friedrich Merz has expressed a more aggressive stance on military support for Ukraine, indicating a willingness to permit the use of long-range missiles should Putin continue to target civilians.
As Germany stands as the second-largest supporter of Ukraine after the United States, there are growing concerns over its ability to shoulder increased responsibilities if Trump implements his vow to reduce aid to Kyiv. To reassure European allies, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Brussels on Wednesday, promising continued support for Ukraine until Trump's administration begins.
Putin, having largely refrained from communicating with NATO and Western leaders since 2022, remains at the center of heightened global tensions and uncertainty. Trump's assertion that he could resolve the Ukraine crisis within a day of assuming office, however, lacks clarity regarding the mechanisms to achieve such a rapid resolution. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue amidst ongoing conflict.
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