German initiative
The phone call between Vladimir Putin and Olaf Scholz occurred at the instigation of Germany, according to the Kremlin’s account. The leaders talked about various aspects of the situation around Ukraine, with a focus on Russia’s perspective on the conflict.
Putin reiterated Russia’s main principles guiding its operation in Ukraine, highlighting what Moscow views as a destructive approach from Western states, including Germany, which supported Kyiv with military training and equipment. The Kremlin emphasized to the chancellor that Russia believes Western political and financial support for Ukraine has pushed Kyiv away from any possibility of negotiations. Moscow also argued that this Western stance encourages radical Ukrainian nationalists to commit further atrocities against civilians.
In the Kremlin’s wording, Putin urged Scholz to reconsider his country’s approach in light of ongoing events in Ukraine.
The Kremlin press service stated that the Russian Armed Forces had previously avoided targeted missile strikes within Ukraine but now see such measures as a necessary response to provocations by Kyiv against Russian civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities and sections of the Crimean Bridge.
Putin reminded Scholz of the alleged terrorist attack against Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines and expressed confidence that the circumstances should be investigated with the participation of Russian security agencies.
The Kremlin press office noted that discussions also touched on the implementation of the Istanbul package agreements of July 22 concerning grain exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports and the prevention of food and fertilizer exports from Russia.
It was stated that Scholz’s interlocutor focused on the need for a careful and comprehensive implementation of the grain agreement, with the objective of removing obstacles to Russian supplies.
German version
Steffen Hebestreit, the official spokesperson for the German Cabinet, told reporters that Olaf Scholz and Vladimir Putin spoke on Friday morning. He described the call as lasting about an hour and centered on Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the broader regional implications.
Hebestreit said the chancellor condemned Russia’s air strikes on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and affirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in defending itself against aggression.
The German official added that Scholz urged the Russian president to pursue a diplomatic solution promptly, including the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. He also noted that both sides agreed to stay in contact moving forward.
Return to peace with Russia
Ahead of the Berlin Security Conference, the British newspaper The Times reported that Scholz expressed hope for a return to the prewar peace order with Russia during a roundtable discussion in Berlin.
The chancellor argued that Europe should return to the set of agreements that underpin peace and security. He suggested that if Moscow shows readiness to do the same, a functioning and secure peace order could be restored. Scholz clarified that better relations depend on Moscow renouncing aggression toward its neighbors.
Observers have described Scholz’s remarks as among the most explicit statements to date about his plans for shaping the future international order. He also indicated that Berlin is prepared to engage in dialogue with the Kremlin on arms control and missile deployment. The piece notes that Scholz’s stance appears more receptive to negotiations than the positions taken by Poland and some Baltic states, who are seen as among Putin’s staunchest NATO critics.