German Chancellor Olaf Scholz engaged in a significant conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the first publicly announced discussion between Putin and a major Western leader in nearly two years. During the hour-long call, Scholz urged Putin to consider negotiations with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace. In response, Putin emphasized Russia's territorial gains and security demands, including Kyiv renouncing NATO membership.
Scholz also pressed Putin to withdraw Russian troops and end the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022. The conflict, set to reach its 1,000th day next week, has prompted exiled Russian opposition figures to organize an antiwar rally in Berlin.
