Scholz makes surprise call to Putin amid G‑20 speculation
For the first time in nearly two years, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Vladimir Putin, the Russian dictator. German commentators are speculating about the politician's motivations. Was it the start of an election campaign or related to the upcoming G-20 summit in Brazil?
10:26 AM EST, November 18, 2024
German media are analyzing the Chancellor's phone call to Vladimir Putin. Scholz's post on platform X, commenting on the event, is quoted by "Süddeutsche Zeitung." "Russia must show willingness to negotiate with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace," wrote the German chancellor.
The newspaper also quotes German government spokesperson 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 dictator that Germany's support for Ukraine is long-term and that Russia cannot rely on time being in its favor.
Scholz and Putin's conversation: German media analyze the reasons behind it
The newspaper noted that Scholz consulted with Volodymyr Zelensky before talking to Putin. The Ukrainian president assessed that the conversation with Putin "opens a Pandora's box."
A notable point is the timing of this first conversation since December 2022. North Korean soldiers have appeared on the Ukrainian front, and uncertainty regarding the war's outcome also arises from Donald Trump's electoral victory in the USA.
The weekly "Der Spiegel" calls the hour-long conversation "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."
The newspaper reports that Scholz tried to dispel doubts about Western support for Ukraine. Additionally, the Chancellor wanted to present the "real picture of the war" to Putin.
Scholz is convinced that Putin is receiving a "beautified 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, after the government's fall, is under "great pressure." 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, concludes the portal.
"Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" speculates that the reason for the conversation with Putin could be the upcoming G-20 summit in Brazil. This format is the only place where high-level representatives of NATO countries and Russia meet at one table.
Scholz is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping there, considered Russia's most important ally. Putin will not attend the summit in the Brazilian capital.
"Berliner Zeitung" writes about the "icy climate" during Scholz's conversation with Putin. "The Russian side's statement sounds icy and shows that Russia and Germany have drifted very far apart from each other," assesses the capital newspaper.
The newspaper points out that Zelensky urged Scholz not to call Putin. "This will only help Putin and reduce his isolation. Putin does not want peace; he only wants a break in hostilities," the Ukrainian president explained.
Source: DW
