German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated plans to speak by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future, according to Reuters reports.
While speaking in Nuremberg, Scholz reminded audiences that he has previously spoken with Putin over the phone. He added that another call is expected soon and that he intends to press for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
Scholz had already signaled this intention on May 26, noting the possibility of a new telephone conversation with Putin. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin press secretary, said that Putin remains open to dialogue, signaling that channels for communication remain active.
In January, Scholz underscored the importance of high-level phone exchanges with the Russian leader. He remarked that the tone of such discussions had been measured and respectful, even as the parties held divergent views on the crisis in Ukraine.
The last recorded telephone conversation between Scholz and Putin took place on December 2, 2022, marking a notable pause in direct dialogue since then. Observers are watching closely to see how these upcoming discussions might influence the broader diplomatic landscape and the ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.