Russian President Wladimir Putin Chancellor does not see his decision to invade Ukraine as a mistake Olaf Scholz said after speaking on the phone with the Russian leader on Tuesday.
What happened: Scholz told media on Wednesday that during a 90-minute phone call he urged Putin to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, withdraw troops and resume negotiations with his neighbor. Agence France-Presse reported.
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“Unfortunately, I can’t tell you that the impression has grown that it was a mistake to start this war,” said Scholz. “And there was no indication that new attitudes were emerging.”
The withdrawal of the Russian armed forces from Ukraine is the only way to “give peace in the region a chance,” said the German Chancellor.
While Putin appears to be adamant on his position on Ukraine, Scholz said it was necessary to keep in touch with the Russian leader. “It is right to speak to each other and say what there is to say on this subject.”
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also spoke to Putin about the “obstacles” Russia faced in relation to its food and fertilizer exports. He also said the prospects for peace in Ukraine are currently “minimal”, adding: “I feel that we are still a long way from peace. I would be lying if I said it could happen soon.”
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