German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his phone conversation with Vladimir Putin yesterday, Friday, gave no indication of a change in the Russian president’s position on the war in Ukraine, but defended his decision to call the Kremlin, which caused many criticisms.
Solz’s hour-long phone conversation with Putin, the first face-to-face in almost two years, came three months before snap elections in which the unpopular chancellor faces a major challenge from populists on the left and right. which require a repetition of diplomacy.
Critics, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said the phone call was a violation of Western solidarity for domestic political gain.
“It was important to tell him [στον Πούτιν] that he cannot count on declining support from Germany, Europe and many others in the world,” Soltz told reporters.
“The conversation was very detailed but contributed to the finding that not much has changed in the Russian president’s views on the war in Ukraine — and that is not good news.”
The call came amid signs of growing contact between Western-aligned leaders and the Kremlin, even as Russia makes small but steady gains on the ground in eastern Ukraine.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, former prime minister of NATO member Portugal, attended a BRICS summit in Russia, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend a security summit in member Malta of the European Union, in December.
Re-elected US President Donald Trump has said he can bring about a swift end to the war and has appointed to his staff some people seen as more sympathetic to Moscow than their predecessors.
This has implications for Europe, said Soltz.
He added that it would not be good if Washington had regular contact with Putin while no European leader did.
“In my opinion it would not be a good idea to have talks between the American and the Russian president without the leader of a major European country also holding talks,” he said.
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#Chancellor #Soltz #defends #phone #call #Russian #President #Putin
How does engaging in dialogue with Putin during an active conflict align with Germany’s commitment to international peace and security?
1. As the German Chancellor, how do you justify speaking with Russian President Putin amidst a war that has caused so much suffering and destruction? What message were you hoping to convey during the phone call?
2. Critics have argued that your decision to speak with Putin was a violation of Western solidarity and could be seen as a move for domestic political gain. Do you share this concern, and if not, how do you plan to address these concerns?
3. What were your thoughts on the implications of the US reengaging with Russia while Europe seems to be at a crossroads in its approach to the conflict? How can the EU ensure that talks between the US and Russia are not conducted without European leadership involvement?
4. The article mentions growing contact between Western-aligned leaders and the Kremlin, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attending separate summits. What do you see as the potential benefits and drawbacks of such interactions at this point in time?
5. As Germany continues to play a significant role in supporting Ukraine, how do you anticipate the conversation with Putin will impact your country’s response to the ongoing conflict? Are there any specific steps or changes in policy you envision as a result of this discussion?
