German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking their first conversation in nearly two years. Scholz condemned Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and urged Putin to pursue negotiations for a fair and lasting peace. In response, Putin emphasized that any peace agreement must consider Russian security interests. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky advised Scholz against the call, warning it might reduce Putin’s isolation. Scholz also communicated with Zelensky following his discussion with Putin, reinforcing Germany’s continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.