Scholz speaks with Putin as Zelenskyy warns of risks to Ukraine's isolation efforts

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, marking their first conversation in nearly two years. Scholz urged Putin to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw troops, emphasizing the need for negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the call, saying it undermines efforts to isolate Russia. Scholz has been advocating for a second peace conference that would include Russia, following a previous summit in Switzerland that excluded the Kremlin. During the call, Scholz expressed concerns about North Korean soldiers potentially joining the conflict. He highlighted Germany's significant military support for Ukraine while trying to manage the broader implications of the war.