German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke in defence of his heavily criticised decision to hold a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The hour-long conversation took place for the first time in two years and three months before a snap election in which Germany’s leader faces a stiff challenge from populists on both the left and right who demand renewed diplomacy. Critics have suggested the call is a violation of Western solidarity for domestic political gain.
It was important to tell him (Putin) that he cannot count on support from Germany, Europe and many others in the world waning. The conversation was very detailed but contributed to a recognition that little has changed in the Russian president’s views of the war – and that’s not good news, Scholz told reporters.
The call came as Russian forces are gaining steady ground on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine as the 1,000th day of the Ukraine-Russia conflict approaches. Besides, President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed to end the conflict as soon as possible after taking office. He appointed a number of security figures to the Cabinet who are seen as more favourable to diplomacy and ending the conflict than their predecessors.
“In my view it would not be a good idea if there were talks between the American and Russian presidents and the leader of an important European country was not also doing so,” Scholz said.
