Sat Nov 16 08:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Scholz and Putin Speak for First Time in Two Years, Discussing Ukraine War
**BERLIN/MOSCOW** – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone for an hour on Friday, marking their first conversation in two years. The call, initiated by Chancellor Scholz, focused on ending the war in Ukraine, according to German officials.
The German government stated that Scholz urged Putin to end the conflict, highlighting Russia’s failure to achieve its objectives after nearly three years of fighting. Scholz condemned Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure and reaffirmed Germany’s continued support for Ukraine. He also voiced concern over reports of potential North Korean troop deployment to support Russia, characterizing it as a serious escalation.
While Scholz criticized Russia’s actions, the call signals a potential increase in communication between the Kremlin and Western powers. This development follows the recent US presidential election victory of Donald Trump, who has expressed reservations about continued US aid to Ukraine and advocated for immediate peace negotiations. Trump’s stance introduces uncertainty into the West’s unified support for Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the conversation took place.
First Piper 