Scholz's call to Putin sparks election and diplomacy debate
For the first time in nearly two years, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the Russian leader Vladimir Putin. German commentators are speculating about the politician's motivations. Was it the start of an election campaign, or was it related to the G-20 summit in Brazil?
18 November 2024 09:56
German media are analysing the significance of the Chancellor's phone call to Vladimir Putin. Scholz's post on platform X, commenting on this event, is quoted by "Süddeutsche Zeitung". "Russia must show a willingness to negotiate with Ukraine - with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace" - wrote the German chancellor.
The newspaper also quotes the German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit, who stated that the Chancellor "condemned the Russian aggressive war against Ukraine and called on Putin to end it and withdraw the troops". Scholz assured the Russian leader that Germany's support for Ukraine is long-term and that Russia cannot rely on time working in its favour.
Scholz and Putin's conversation. German media analyse the reasons behind it
The newspaper noted that before speaking to Putin, Scholz consulted with Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president assessed that the conversation with Putin "opens a Pandora's box".
A noticeable point is the particular moment when the first conversation since December 2022 took place between the leaders. North Korean soldiers have appeared on the Ukrainian front, and the uncertainty concerning the fate of this war also stems from Donald Trump's electoral prospects in the USA.
The weekly "Der Spiegel" describes the hour-long conversation as "Sixty Sobering Minutes". According to the authors, the facial expression of Jens Plötner, Scholz's foreign policy advisor, suggests that it was not a "constructive conversation".
According to the newspaper, Scholz attempted to dispel doubts about Western support for Ukraine. Additionally, the Chancellor wanted to convey the "real picture of the war" to Putin.
Scholz is convinced that Putin is receiving a "sanitised picture of the situation" from his inner circle. The aim was to draw attention to ensure that Russia does not count on negotiating an alleged peace with Trump at Ukraine's expense.
"Der Spiegel" noted that Scholz is under "great pressure" after the government's fall. A diplomatic success regarding Ukraine would be a strong asset in the election campaign. The conversation with Putin indicates that the German chancellor cannot count on progress in this area, the portal concludes.
"Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" speculates that Putin's conversation could be prompted by the upcoming G-20 summit in Brazil. This format is the only place high-level representatives of NATO countries and Russia meet at one table.
Scholz is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is Russia's most important ally. Putin will not attend the summit in the Brazilian capital.
"Berliner Zeitung" writes about the "frosty climate" during Scholz's conversation with Putin. The Russian side's statement sounds frosty and shows that Russia and Germany have drifted very far apart, according to the newspaper.
"BZ" reports that Zelensky advised Scholz against contacting Putin, emphasizing that such an action would benefit Putin and lessen his isolation. The Ukrainian President stressed that Putin is not seeking peace but a temporary halt in the conflict.
