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Scholz called Putin to insist on talks between Russia and Ukraine.
According to German government spokesman Steffen Gebestreit, Scholz “condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and called on Putin to end it and withdraw troops.”
The chancellor also stressed “Germany’s unwavering determination to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression for as long as necessary.”
After his phone call with Putin, Scholz plans to talk with Zelenskyy.
Spiegel, citing sources, reports that the conversation between Scholz and Putin lasted an hour — it was initiated by the German chancellor.
The call was allegedly prepared “for weeks” in close coordination with key international partners — the United States, Britain, France, and other G7 countries.
In particular, there was an agreement that the conversation should take place after the US elections, but before the G20 summit in Brazil.
Government sources add to the official report of the conversation that Scholz separately condemned Russia’s shelling of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and stated that the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the fighting on Russia’s side could lead to a serious escalation and expansion of the war.
Zelenskyy was critical of Scholz’s intention to speak to Putin when he warned him about it, Sky News reported, citing a source in the Office of the President of Ukraine.
According to the source, the Ukrainian president told the German chancellor that his call “will help the Russian president by reducing his isolation and ultimately prolong the war in Ukraine.”
Read also: Duda: I can’t imagine that Trump would allow Russia to destroy Ukraine
