Putin and Scholz Reconnect: A Dialogue on Ukraine and Other Matters

Putin reiterated that Russia is ready to resume negotiations that had been suspended by the Kyiv government, based on proposals previously submitted in June by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Nov 15, 2024 Photo: EFE

November 15, 2024 Hour: 10:24 pm

In the conversation, Putin also addressed the current crisis in Ukraine, noting that it is a consequence of NATO’s aggressive policy, which seeks to establish an anti-Russian presence on Ukrainian territory while neglecting Russia’s security interests and violating the rights of Russian speakers in the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz this Friday, marking their first dialogue in two years. During this call, the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine.

Putin reiterated that Russia is ready to resume negotiations that had been suspended by the Kyiv government, based on proposals previously submitted in June by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The Kremlin issued a statement emphasizing that Russia has never closed itself off to the possibility of dialogue and that the conditions for negotiations are well known.

These conditions include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as from the regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

Additionally, the need for Ukraine to adopt a neutral status was mentioned, along with the denazification and demilitarization of the country, together with the lifting of sanctions imposed by the West.

Bilateral relations were also discussed, with Vladimir Putin assessing the unprecedented weakening “in all directions as a result of the unfriendly behavior of the German authorities.”

“It was stressed that Russia has always strictly complied with its contractual obligations in the energy sector and is willing to cooperate mutually beneficially if there is interest on the German side,” said the Chancellery.