Scholz demands Russian troop withdrawal in call with Putin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and urging negotiations for lasting peace. Scholz condemned Russia's actions and reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed the call, stating that any peace agreement must consider Russian security interests. Putin's response was not included in Scholz's statement, which followed a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy criticized the call, calling it a "Pandora's box" that could weaken Russia's isolation. He emphasized that Ukraine seeks real peace, not another failed agreement like the Minsk accords.