Germany’s Scholz Says He Plans to Speak With Putin About Ukraine War ‘Soon’

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Sunday that he wants to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin “soon” about ending the war in Ukraine.
“Yes, I decided to talk to the president of Russia at the right time. But I’m a responsible politician, I don’t do it alone,” Scholz told the German broadcaster ARD on Sunday.
Scholz spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday, with the German chancellor’s spokesman saying the two discussed working “toward a return to peace in Europe.” 
Trump, who had campaigned on ending the conflict in Ukraine before being sworn into office in January, reportedly spoke with Putin on Thursday and urged him not to escalate the war, according to the Washington Post. The Kremlin denied the report.
Scholz previously signaled his willingness to hold talks with Putin. Media reports suggested their phone call might take place ahead of the G20 summit in Brazil, which is scheduled for Nov. 18-19.
However, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Putin was “no longer even prepared” to speak with the chancellor.
Scholz and Putin last spoke in December 2022, when the German chancellor urged the Kremlin leader to withdraw his troops from Ukraine.
Germany has been Ukraine’s second largest military backer behind the United States, providing billions of euros in military and humanitarian support.
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