-924c3c302c27387e19f6c44aaeb98745.png "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had informed him of plans to call Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy, however, expressed concerns, describing the move as a potential "Pandora's box.”
"Such calls could lead to more conversations, more talks—just empty words. This is exactly what Putin has been striving for: to weaken his isolation, Russia's isolation, and engage in meaningless negotiations that go nowhere," Zelenskyy said.
"We understand the challenges and know how to respond. Let me be clear—there will be no 'Minsk-3.' What we need is real peace," he emphasized.
Spokesperson of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heorhii Tykhyi, stated that the phone conversation between Scholz and Putin will not contribute to achieving a just peace.
The German side has informed of its intention to hold a call with Putin. However, even if the German Chancellor did not express positions that contradict Ukraine's, conversations with the Russian dictator as such do not add any value to the pursuit of a just peace.
— Heorhii Tykhyi (@SpoxUkraineMFA) November 15, 2024
Concrete, strong action is required to force Putin into peace, not persuasion and attempts of appeasement, which he perceives as weakness and uses to his advantage. Concrete actions are well known, most notably the withdrawal of occupational troops from Ukraine's territory.
— Heorhii Tykhyi (@SpoxUkraineMFA) November 15, 2024
It was reported earlier that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation on November 15. This is the first communication between Scholz and Putin in nearly two years.
