In a surprising turn-of-events Olaf Scholz made his first call to Vladimir Putin since late-2022‚ which sparked immediate push-back from Ukraine. The hour-long discussion happened just two days ago causing significant worries in Kyiv
A Pandoraʼs box thats exactly what Putin has long wanted — to weaken his isolation
The Ukrainian side (which knew about planned talk beforehand) points to past failed peace-talks dating back to pre-invasion times. These discussions with Moscow-backed forces in eastern Ukraine during 2014 didnt bring any real changes
Scholz position during the call included several key-points:
- Demanded Russian troops withdrawal
- Confirmed ongoing support for Ukraine
- Called for fair-peace talks with Kyiv
The timing raises eye-brows as Ukraine approaches its 1000-day mark since full-scale invasion began. While Germany remains Ukraineʼs second-biggest weapons provider after US‚ its been holding back on sending long-range missiles which Kyiv needs
The Kremlinʼs response showed satisfaction with renewed contact; however their stance remained firm: any peace-deal must consider Russian security needs and new territorial claims — something that Ukraine sees as a non-starter for negotiations
Berlinʼs move comes amid growing uncertainty about future Western backing especially considering upcoming US elections. The possibility of Donald Trumpʼs return to power (who promises quick war resolution) adds extra complexity to already tough situation