German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine, reiterating Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. According to the DPA news agency, Scholz also condemned the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict, calling it a dangerous escalation.
The Kremlin, however, highlighted energy discussions during the call, emphasizing Russia’s readiness for energy cooperation if Germany expresses interest. This aspect has drawn criticism from both German and international analysts.
German opposition parties, including the CDU/CSU, accused Scholz of granting Putin a propaganda victory. Juergen Hardt, the CDU/CSU foreign policy spokesperson, criticized the lack of new proposals or ultimatums during the discussion, stating that Putin only responds to displays of strength, such as increasing military aid to Ukraine.
International experts have also questioned the effectiveness of Scholz’s outreach. Tatiana Kastoueva-Jean of the French Institute of International Relations suggested the call might reinforce Putin’s belief that European countries are eager to resume “business as usual,” especially in energy trade. Similarly, Jana Puglierin from the European Council on Foreign Relations described the call as a misstep driven by domestic political considerations, particularly ahead of Germany’s 2025 elections, where Scholz seeks to position himself as a “peace chancellor.”
U.S. political analyst Andrew A. Michta expressed concerns that the call signals a softening of Western unity. Quoting a Reuters headline, Michta warned that such actions might undermine efforts to isolate Russia and questioned who benefits from this approach.
Critics argue that the call lacked coordination with other European nations and risked projecting division within the EU, potentially emboldening Russia. As tensions remain high, Scholz’s initiative has sparked a debate over its timing and potential repercussions for Ukraine and European unity.