Putin and Scholz Hold First Phone Call in Two Years

Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz engaged in their first phone call in nearly two years on Friday, discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of initiating peace talks between Moscow and Kiev.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the necessity of Russia's willingness to negotiate for a fair and lasting peace, reaffirming Berlin's commitment to support Kiev as required.

German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit confirmed that the call lasted nearly an hour.

Scholz urged Putin to end the conflict and withdraw Russian troops, while both leaders agreed to maintain contact.

Scholz previously communicated with Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky and plans to follow up with him after the call with Putin.

The last phone conversation between Putin and Scholz took place on December 2, 2021, according to the Kremlin.

The Kremlin has yet to release a statement regarding the recent discussions.