Scholz's pivotal call to Putin sparks strategic speculation
Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the first time in nearly two years. German commentators are speculating on the politician's motivations. Was it related to the start of an election campaign or the G-20 summit in Brazil?
18 November 2024 06:42
German media are analyzing the Chancellor's phone call to Vladimir Putin. Scholz's post on platform X about this event is cited 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 German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, who stated that the Chancellor condemned Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and called on Putin to end it and withdraw the troops. Scholz assured the leader that Germany's support for Ukraine is enduring and that Russia cannot rely on time working in its favour.
Scholz and Putin's conversation: German media analyze the reasons behind it
The newspaper noted that Scholz consulted with Volodymyr Zelensky before speaking with Putin. The Ukrainian president considered that the conversation with Putin "opens a Pandora's box."
A notable point is the specific timing of the first conversation since December 2022 between the leaders. North Korean soldiers have appeared on the Ukrainian front, and the uncertainty regarding the war's outcome is also influenced by Donald Trump's electoral victory in the U.S.
The weekly "Der Spiegel" describes the hour-long conversation as "Sixty Sobering Minutes". The authors suggest that Jens Plötner, Scholz's foreign policy advisor, appeared to indicate that it was not a "constructive conversation."
According to the newspaper, Scholz attempted to ease concerns about Western support for Ukraine. Additionally, the Chancellor aimed to present the "real picture of the war" to Putin.
Scholz believes Putin is receiving a "sanitized version of the situation" from his inner circle. The goal was to highlight that Russia should not count on negotiating a supposed peace with Trump at Ukraine's expense.
"Der Spiegel" noted that Scholz, following the government's fall, is under "significant pressure". A diplomatic success concerning Ukraine would be a strong asset in the election campaign. The conversation with Putin indicates that the German chancellor cannot anticipate 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 top-level representatives of NATO countries and Russia gather at one table.
Scholz is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping there, regarded as Russia's most vital ally. Putin will not attend the summit in Brasília.
The Berliner Zeitung remarks on the tense atmosphere during Scholz's discussion with Putin, noting that the Russian side's statement was cold and suggested a significant rift between Russia and Germany. The capital newspaper evaluates the situation as a clear sign of the growing distance between the two nations.
The newspaper indicates that Zelensky discouraged Scholz from reaching out to Putin, highlighting that doing so would serve Putin's interests and diminish his isolation. The Ukrainian President emphasized that Putin is not aiming for peace but rather a brief suspension of the conflict.
