German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed his intention to maintain dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a position he expressed during discussions at the European Union summit in Brussels. He emphasized that continued engagement with Moscow remains important, even as the two sides hold divergent opinions on the crisis in Ukraine. Scholz underscored that bilateral channels should stay open and that Berlin plans to persist with diplomatic contact despite the serious disagreements that have arisen in recent exchanges on the conflict.
Scholz noted that the most recent direct telephone exchange with Putin took place on December 2, 2022, according to statements from the Kremlin press service. He stressed that the goal of ongoing conversations is not simply to voice differences but to explore paths toward de-escalation and peace. In remarks carried to a broad audience, he described diplomacy as a continuous process where patience and persistence matter as much as firmness on core security concerns.
In February, Scholz had reiterated his readiness to pursue dialogue with the Russian president regarding Ukraine. He indicated that a constructive moment must arise that could create the opportunity for peace, a sentiment that reflects Germany’s longstanding preference for measured dialogue alongside firm positions on international law and territorial integrity. This approach aligns with Berlin’s broader strategy of balancing practical engagement with clear expectations about accountability and security guarantees in Europe.
Observers note that the tone of Scholz’s diplomacy with Putin has historically remained cordial even amid substantial policy rifts. The German chancellor has repeatedly described negotiations as conducted on a professional level, where mutual respect and a willingness to listen accompany the pursuit of principled outcomes. While the disagreements persist, officials insist that diplomacy remains the preferred instrument for managing a volatile regional crisis and for seeking tangible steps toward reducing tensions and advancing a political settlement.
Former German leaders have reflected on the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine issue, with Scholz reportedly emphasizing that Russia has not fundamentally shifted its position on Ukraine. Analysts highlight that this recognition shapes Germany’s ongoing balancing act: sustaining lines of communication with Moscow while coordinating closely with European partners to uphold sanctions and allied security commitments. The ultimate objective remains a resolution that preserves European stability, respects international law, and addresses humanitarian concerns arising from the conflict, all within a framework that enables credible security guarantees for Ukraine and neighboring states. Markers of this approach include regular high-level consultations, transparent public messaging, and a willingness to adjust policy in response to evolving circumstances, as noted by aides familiar with Berlin’s diplomatic playbook. [attribution: German government communications, cited by EU briefing services]