Scholz urges Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine in first talks since 2022

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since December 2022. Scholz urged Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine and start peace talks, emphasizing the need for diplomacy. Putin blamed NATO for the conflict, stating that Russia is open to negotiations but insists on addressing its security demands and recognizing new territorial realities. He criticized NATO's actions as harmful to Russia's interests. The conversation highlighted strained German-Russian relations, with Putin noting Germany's "unfriendly policies." Both leaders agreed to keep communication open, but significant progress on the Ukraine crisis remains uncertain.