Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wasted no time condemning the call, accusing Scholz of "opening a Pandora’s box" and Playing directly into Putin's hands. "This is exactly what Putin has been waiting for—an end to his isolation and legitimization of his war crimes," Zelensky declared in a scathing address, warning that such gestures give Russia the green light to continue its brutality without consequences.
Timing Sparks Outrage Amid Elections and War Tensions
The controversial conversation comes as Scholz faces a snap election in February following the collapse of his fragile three-party coalition. Critics, including Germany’s conservative CDU opposition, have accused the chancellor of using the call to score political points at home rather than to genuinely pursue peace. "Putin will see this as a sign of weakness, not strength," blasted CDU foreign policy spokesman Juergen Hardt. He labeled the move a "Propaganda win" for the Kremlin, claiming Scholz offered no concrete proposals or ultimatums.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Kremlin claimed the call was made at Berlin’s request, a statement seen by many as an attempt to portray Putin as diplomatically in demand. The Russian president reportedly told Scholz that any peace talks must recognize “new territorial realities”—code for Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian land.
Critics Call It a PR Stunt
Even within Germany, doubts abound about Scholz’s motives. Johann Wadephul, another CDU politician, accused Scholz of prioritizing election optics over Ukraine’s survival. "This wasn’t about protecting Ukraine; it was about protecting Scholz’s political career," he charged. Meanwhile, SPD officials scrambled to defend the chancellor, insisting the call was a necessary diplomatic step.
“Germany remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes,” said SPD general secretary Matthias Miersch. But critics argue that Scholz’s government has already shown hesitation by refusing to supply long-range weapons capable of striking deep into Russia, a decision widely seen as pandering to Moscow’s red lines.
Zelensky and Allies Slam Call as ‘Useless’
Zelensky didn’t mince words, calling the phone call an exercise in futility. "This conversation changes nothing," he said. "It only helps Russia maintain its current policy of destruction." The Ukrainian leader added that such diplomatic overtures send dangerous signals, especially in light of Donald Trump’s recent election victory in the U.S. Trump has repeatedly suggested he could swiftly end the war but has offered no concrete plan, while openly criticizing Western aid to Kyiv.
A Western diplomat speaking to Reuters called Scholz’s move "a disastrous signal," especially amid fears that Trump’s presidency could weaken global support for Ukraine. "This undermines the fragile unity we’ve worked so hard to build," the diplomat said.
Geopolitical Fallout and Russian Spin
The Kremlin wasted no time spinning the call as a victory, framing Scholz’s outreach as evidence of Russia’s indispensability in global affairs. Putin reportedly used the call to pitch potential energy deals, a sensitive topic given Germany’s heavy reliance on Russian gas before the war.
Adding to the controversy, Scholz reportedly raised concerns about reports of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine—a potential escalation that could drag more nations into the conflict. Zelensky claims over 11,000 North Korean soldiers are now deployed in Russia, a shocking revelation that underscores the widening scope of the war.
A Gamble That Could Backfire
Germany has provided Ukraine with €15 billion in financial, humanitarian, and military support, making it Kyiv’s second-largest backer after the United States. But Scholz’s critics argue his call to Putin risks undoing that goodwill, both domestically and internationally.
As Scholz prepares to brief allies on the call’s outcome, the damage may already be done. Critics question whether this attempt at diplomacy will be remembered as a bold move for peace—or as the moment Germany handed Putin a lifeline.