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Scholz Urges Putin to Withdraw Troops in Hour-long Call, First in Two Years

Nov 15, 2024, 02:48 PM

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation on Friday, marking their first direct communication in nearly two years. The call, which lasted about an hour and was initiated by Germany, came at a critical time as Ukraine braces for a third winter under Russian attack. During the conversation, Scholz urged Putin to withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine and to negotiate a just and lasting peace. Putin emphasized Russia's openness to dialogue but stressed concerns over security and territorial interests, noting the need to acknowledge new territorial realities. Scholz confronted Putin about the alleged deployment of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, labeling it a serious escalation. The German Chancellor reaffirmed Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine and plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following his discussion with Putin.