War against Ukraine: Scholz calls Putin for an hour

Chancellor Scholz and Kremlin boss Putin have spoken on the phone for the first time since mid-September. Scholz again called for a diplomatic solution. Putin called Russia’s attacks “necessary” and Western support for Ukraine “destructive”.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called Russia’s President Vladimir Putin for the first time since mid-September. According to the federal government, the phone call lasted an hour and was dedicated to the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences.

Scholz demands the withdrawal of Russian troops

Accordingly, Scholz condemned in particular the Russian airstrikes against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. He underlined Germany’s determination to support Ukraine in ensuring its ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.

In addition, Scholz had insisted that a diplomatic solution, which included a withdrawal of Russian troops, had to be found as soon as possible.

Putin defends attacks on infrastructure

According to a Kremlin statement, Putin defended the Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure: “It was underlined that the Russian armed forces have long avoided high-precision missile attacks against certain targets in Ukraine, but in view of the provocative attacks from Kyiv, such measures are necessary and become inevitable.”

According to the information, Putin has also “drawn attention to the destructive policies of Western countries, including Germany, which support the regime in Kyiv with weapons and train Ukrainian soldiers”. Putin asked Scholz to reconsider Germany’s approach to Ukraine.

Putin also called for Russia to be involved in investigating the attacks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea.

Global food supply theme

According to the federal government, both also spoke about the global food situation, which is particularly tense as a result of the Russian war of aggression.

Both stressed the important role of the recently renewed Grains Agreement under the aegis of the United Nations and agreed to keep in touch.