Putin open to dialogue with Scholz, Kremlin spokesman says

Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to dialogue with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, despite ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

In comments to reporters, Peskov emphasized that President Putin has consistently expressed his willingness to engage in discussions, particularly when it comes to achieving Russia's objectives, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“Of course, it makes sense to continue contacts. The president has repeatedly stated that he remains open for dialogue in terms of achieving our goals,” Peskov said when asked whether continued engagement with Scholz is valuable in light of his support for Ukraine.

On December 2, Scholz made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, his first in two and a half years. The German Chancellor posted on social media platform X that he would discuss with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Berlin's plans to provide Ukraine with €650 million worth of military aid in December. The package includes IRIS-T air defence systems, Leopard-1 tanks, reconnaissance and attack drones, and more.

Following Scholz’s comments that Western support for Kyiv will remain unwavering, Peskov also criticized the broader European stance, accusing the continent of pursuing a “destructive strategy” that further escalates the conflict. He expressed concern over Europe's continued rhetoric, which he believes exacerbates the situation.

“There is hardly any need to comment here, because these statements are made on a daily basis by representatives of various European states. They deliberately continue their destructive line of provoking and prolonging this war. This is the only way we treat it,” Peskov stated.

By Vafa Guliyeva