Scholz shared with Zelensky the details of his conversation with Putin.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“I spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and thanked him for his leadership in assisting Ukraine with air defense systems – highly effective Patriot and IRIS-T systems that have already saved thousands of lives,” Zelensky wrote on his Telegram channel on Friday.

The President expressed gratitude to Scholz for his continued support for Ukraine. 

The parties discussed what bilateral actions and steps from partners could strengthen Ukraine.

“It is important for the pressure on Russia to increase and for Ukrainian positions to strengthen, as this will compel Russia to pursue genuine peace,” Zelensky emphasized.

During the conversation, Scholz also shared details of his call with Putin.

“It is clear that only the strength of weapons and the strength of diplomacy together can compel the perpetrator of the war to peace, and that peace is only possible through strength,” Zelensky noted.

On November 15, Olaf Scholz and Putin had a phone conversation. Scholz condemned Russia's war against Ukraine and urged Putin to end it and withdraw troops. The Chancellor also suggested that Russia engage in negotiations with Ukraine aimed at achieving a just peace and emphasized Germany's “unyielding determination to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression for as long as needed.”

As the Chancellor later mentioned, the conversation “was not pleasant.”

“It was responsible and necessary. As you know, I met with him before the war and expressed my opinion, clearly indicating that everything he later presented as reasons for the war was untrue. I spoke with him on the phone again and again until the end of 2022, and those conversations were never pleasant. This time, the conversation was also not pleasant. But we must talk, even if just to hear it,” said the German Chancellor.

He added that there are people who believe that one phone call will bring peace the very next day.

“All of Putin's arguments were essentially repeated again. And it was clear to me that I also had to repeat mine. That is, Putin, do not expect us to reduce our support. You need to find a way out of this war. You must stop your attacks and withdraw your troops,” Scholz added.

Background. As reported, Zelensky later stated that this call is a Pandora's box and that “there may be other conversations, other calls.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also stated that no one can stop Putin with phone calls, and that telephone diplomacy cannot replace genuine support for Ukraine from the entire West.