Ukrainian president, German Chancellor discuss ongoing military support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shared details of a phone talk with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

During the phone call, Scholz provided insights into his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Caliber.Az reports, citing Zelensky’s Telegram channel.

"The German chancellor shared details of his call with Putin. It is clear that only the combined strength of military power and diplomacy can force the perpetrator of the war to the negotiating table, and that peace is only possible through strength," Zelenskyy said.

He emphasised the need to increase "pressure on Russia" and strengthen Ukraine's position to compel Moscow to pursue a "genuine peace." Zelenskyy and Scholz also discussed Germany's military support for Ukraine, focusing primarily on the supply of air defence systems and the associated ammunition.  

The phone talk between Scholz and Putin took place two weeks ago, on November 15. It was their first talk in nearly two years (the last one occurred in December 2022). During the phone call, the chancellor urged Putin to end the military operation in Ukraine, withdraw troops, and be ready to start negotiations with Kyiv for a "fair and lasting peace." 

He also emphasised Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine "for as long as necessary." During the phone talk, Putin noted that Russia is "open to resuming negotiations" with Ukraine. 

He noted that any potential agreements must take Moscow's security interests into account, be based on the "new territorial realities," and address the root causes of the conflict.

Previously, Putin has repeatedly placed the blame for the outbreak of hostilities on Kyiv and the West. After the conversation, Scholz stated that Putin's stance on the conflict had changed little, but the chancellor noted that he intends to contact the Russian president again. 

Putin mentioned that their conversation lasted for an hour, with most of it focused on the situation in Ukraine, but in the end, they "remained with their respective views on the matter."

Scholz justified his decision to call Putin by saying that the only way to understand the Russian president's stance on initiating negotiations with Ukraine is to speak with him directly about it. 

Zelenskyy did not share this view, noting that Scholz' call to Putin could "weaken his isolation" and that it represented a "Pandora's box." 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed support for Scholz, emphasising that ending the conflict requires "a certain level of engagement with colleagues we often disagree with."

In contrast, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk argued that "telephone diplomacy cannot replace the real support of the entire West for Ukraine."

By Naila Huseynova