In the hour-long conversation, according to the Kremlin, Putin criticized Western states as “blowing up the regime in Kiev with weapons and training the Ukrainian army”. This military and financial support is responsible for Ukraine’s refusal to negotiate with Russia. At the end of February, Russia attacked its neighbour.
In his first phone call with the Russian president in seven weeks, Scholz reiterated Germany’s determination to continue providing military support to Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggressors. As government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit announced on Friday, he condemned Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and called for a diplomatic solution as soon as possible, including a withdrawal of Russian troops.
For weeks, Russian attacks have shut down electricity and district heating networks in many Ukrainian locations. The water supply was also partially affected.
Scholz last spoke to Putin on September 13. Before that, there was an even longer break of three and a half months.
According to the Kremlin, Putin called on the chancellor to review his Ukraine policy. In addition, the Kremlin chief defended the recent massive rocket attacks on Ukraine in response to “Kiev’s provocations” against civilian infrastructure in Russia, including the bridge to Crimea’s annexed Black Sea peninsula, which was severely damaged by an explosion. , and energy objects. .
According to the Kremlin, Putin again called for the “terrorist attack” on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 Baltic Sea pipelines to be clarified through transparent investigation – with the cooperation of the Russian authorities. In late September, explosions ripped four holes in the gas pipelines between Russia and Germany near the Baltic Sea island of Bornholm. The EU and NATO assume sabotage, but so far have been reluctant to assign specific blame.
Scholz and Putin agreed on one point. According to Hebestreit, both emphasized the important role of the recently renewed agreement on the export of grain from Ukraine. They also agreed to keep in touch.
(SDA)