On November 15, the first telephone conversation since December 2022 took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz.
During the conversation, Putin and Scholz openly exchanged opinions on the situation in Ukraine, the Kremlin press service reported.
What Putin and Scholz discussed
As reported by the Kremlin, a detailed and frank exchange of opinions on the situation in Ukraine took place.
The Russian President recalled that the cause of the current crisis is the long-standing aggressive policy of the North Atlantic Alliance, aimed at creating an anti-Russian foothold in Ukraine while ignoring Russia’s interests in the area of security and trampling on the rights of the Russian-speaking population.
Regarding the prospects for a political and diplomatic settlement, Putin stated that Moscow has never refused and remains open to negotiations.
The head of the Russian state noted that Moscow’s proposals are well known and were outlined, in particular, in his June speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Putin stressed that possible agreements must eliminate the root causes of the conflict, be based on territorial realities and take into account Russia's interests in the area of security.
Putin and Scholz also discussed Russian-German relations.
The Russian President stated that relations between Russia and Germany have deteriorated to an unprecedented degree in all areas as a result of Berlin’s unfriendly course.
The head of the Russian state emphasized that the Russian Federation has always strictly fulfilled its obligations in the energy sector and is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation.
In addition, the parties discussed the situation in the Middle East. The Russian President informed the head of the German government about Moscow's efforts to de-escalate.
It was agreed that following the conversation, the leaders’ assistants will be in touch, the Kremlin press service said in a statement .
After his conversation with Putin, Scholz wrote on the social network X that he called on the Russian president to stop military action, withdraw troops and demonstrate his readiness for negotiations.
