Germany called for Merz to discuss with Putin, either through a phone call or in person.
In a recent development, the ongoing dialogue between German leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict in Ukraine has shown contrasting strategies.
On November 15, 2024, Olaf Scholz, the former German Chancellor, made a significant phone call to Putin, marking the first direct communication between a major Western leader and Putin in two years. During the call, Scholz condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine, demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops, and emphasized the need for negotiations towards a lasting peace. He also criticized Russia's deployment of North Korean troops and attacks on civilian infrastructure. However, Russian military actions intensified following the call, with notable attacks occurring soon after, including the bombing of a children's hospital in Ukraine.
Currently, Friedrich Merz, the incumbent German Chancellor, has ruled out direct contact with Putin, citing the ineffectiveness of past dialogues in resolving the conflict. Merz points to instances where diplomatic engagements with Putin have been followed by increased Russian military aggression, such as the bombardment of Kyiv after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit and the intensification of attacks after Scholz's phone call. Instead, Merz advocates for stronger military support to Ukraine, including the supply of advanced weaponry, and emphasizes the need for coordinated international pressure on Russia.
Recently, Tino Chrupalla, the co-chairman of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, urged Olaf Scholz to initiate a dialogue with Putin, with the intention of bringing about an agreement on Ukraine. Although Chrupalla's statement did not explicitly mention a dialogue with Putin, it suggests a more assertive stance towards Russia. Chrupalla also emphasized the need for a "realistic view of Russia's imperialistic ambitions" and suggested that Germany should actively rearm due to a shortage of people and equipment in its army.
These developments highlight the complex and evolving nature of relations between Germany and Russia, and the ongoing challenges posed by Russia's foreign policy. While Scholz's dialogue with Putin did not lead to a resolution of the conflict, Merz and Chrupalla's more assertive stances may signal a potential shift in German politics regarding Russia. It is important to note that these statements do not indicate any official policy changes by the German government, but they do reflect internal debates within German politics regarding Russia.
The ongoing discussions among German leaders, including Olaf Scholz, Friedrich Merz, and Tino Chrupalla, revolve around war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, specifically the conflict in Ukraine and relations with Russia. Olaf Scholz's dialogue with Putin was followed by an increase in military actions from Russia, leading to more assertive stances from Friedrich Merz and Tino Chrupalla.
