By Smartencyclopedia SNBNewsdesk with Agencies

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a rare and consequential phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging a full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and advocating for a “just and lasting peace.” This conversation, confirmed by both the German government and the Kremlin, marks a critical moment in the ongoing war. Scholz reiterated Germany’s steadfast support for Ukraine, aligning with Western allies in opposing Russian aggression.

The Kremlin responded by emphasizing the need for any peace agreement to account for Russia’s “security interests” and “new territorial realities.” While Russian officials viewed the call as positive, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly criticized the dialogue, warning that such negotiations could enable Russia to maintain its aggressive policies. Zelensky explicitly ruled out a Minsk-3-style agreement, citing previous failures to achieve meaningful peace under similar frameworks.

The timing of the call is significant, coming amid political turmoil in Germany as Scholz faces the collapse of his coalition government and looming elections. It also coincides with broader geopolitical shifts, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration and his stated goal to reassess military support for Ukraine.

Elsewhere, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban intensified his opposition to EU sanctions on Russia, claiming they have harmed Europe’s economy and calling for a “pro-peace” shift in EU policy. Orban praised Trump’s electoral victory as an opportunity to push for peace initiatives aligned with his anti-sanction stance.

Scholz’s diplomatic efforts reveal the complexities of maintaining unity among Western allies while addressing mounting domestic and international challenges. The outcomes of these initiatives may shape the trajectory of the war and Europe’s broader geopolitical strategy.