In recent remarks reported in Focus, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described his last telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a moment of shifting tones and languages. Scholz noted that Putin alternates between German and Russian, and he himself admits his Russian is limited to an eight hour course from his school days. This linguistic back and forth underscores the delicate nature of the conversations at the highest level, where even the simplest exchange can carry multiple meanings depending on the language used.
Scholz indicated that there has been no direct communication with Putin since that last call. The absence of subsequent conversations highlights the ongoing chill in the relationship between Berlin and Moscow, a chill that persists amid wider concerns about European security and energy stability.
Prior to Scholz’s account, Dmitry Peskov, who previously served as the Kremlin’s press secretary, suggested that Putin and Scholz conducted their private conversations on equal terms, with the parties addressing each other in a familiar manner. This clarification came amid various media reports about Scholz’s public address to the Russian leader and the choice of pronouns used, with talk of whether the address carried a sense of informality or command.
On September 13, Putin and Scholz engaged in a phone call that marked the first direct exchange between the leaders since May. The dialogue lasted about ninety minutes and covered several critical topics that have shaped the European political and economic landscape. Central to the discussion was the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a matter that has raised international concern about safety, sovereignty, and the potential broader consequences for regional stability.
Energy security in Europe also featured prominently in the conversation. Both leaders weighed the ongoing energy crisis, with debates around supply, diversification of sources, and the resilience of European grids amid winter demands. The talks came after Scholz had a recent meeting with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling coordination with Kyiv and a continued focus on Ukraine’s status and regional security. Scholz’s outreach underscores Berlin’s stance on maintaining pressure for diplomatic solutions while staying prepared for varying geopolitical scenarios.
The exchange between Scholz and Putin, as reported, reveals a broader pattern in European diplomacy where language and tone are not mere rhetoric but practical tools for signaling intent, boundaries, and readiness to engage. The public narrative surrounding these conversations emphasizes the careful balance leaders try to strike between assertiveness and channeling dialogue through official channels. Observers note that such conversations also reflect the complexities of negotiating energy flows, security assurances, and humanitarian considerations within a rapidly changing international environment.
In the larger context, the September dialogue illustrates how high-level communications contribute to shaping the trajectory of European policy toward Moscow, especially as Western capitals coordinate responses to ongoing conflicts and the energy crisis. The language choices, the timing of calls, and the topics chosen for discussion all contribute to the perception of how seriously leaders take the risks and opportunities presented by the evolving crisis. For analysts, the details of who spoke when, and in which language, can offer insights into the dynamics of trust, leverage, and negotiation tactics among the major powers. The reporting around these interactions continues to be closely watched by governments, experts, and the public, as it informs both immediate policy decisions and the broader strategic narrative shaping transatlantic relations.