Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is open to a dialogue with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the Kremlin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told the Russian news agency Interfax yesterday.
“We have repeatedly stated that we remain open to contact,” Peskov said, but noted that there had so far been no proposal from the German side for a telephone conversation.
A report by the German News Service (delivered by dpa) revealed that Peskov was responding to a statement by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who said at the weekend that Putin was no longer even willing to talk to the chancellor on telephone.
Scholz recently emphasized that possibilities for peace must be explored and there were reports of a planned phone call between the chancellor and Putin.
In early October, Peskov said in response that Putin was open to dialogue even though, according to him, relations between Moscow and Berlin were effectively at rock bottom-not because of Russia, adding: “On the surface, there are no common issues.”
Scholz last spoke to Putin on telephone in December 2022, when he called for a diplomatic solution and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. In June, Scholz said he could not rule out a conversation with Putin in the future, but said it would only make sense if there was something specific to discuss.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, yesterday, urged Western partners to provide swift aid to help fight off Russia’s invasion following his whistle-stop visit to Germany and other European countries.
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Another dpa report cited Zelensky’s post on X, saying: “Time must not be wasted–a clear signal of resolve must be sent. Our partners have the ability to provide the necessary quantity and quality of air defense systems, make decisions for our sufficient long-range capabilities and ensure the timely delivery of defensive aid to our troops.”
Zelensky said the Russians had dropped around 900 glide bombs over Ukraine in the last week, in addition to attacks with 40 missiles and 400 strikes with drones of various types. He released a video of the damage caused.
On overnight drone attacks, the Ukrainian air defence said it downed 31 Russian drones on Sunday alone. In total, there had been 68 overnight drone attacks and several missile strikes. No information on possible damage is available.
Last week, Zelensky visited Rome, Paris and London and met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. During his European tour he promoted his so-called “victory plan,” which has not yet been made public.
It is clear, however, that Ukraine is demanding the provision of long-range weapons from the West for strikes against military targets deep in the Russian hinterland. Additionally, Kiev wants a concrete invitation for Ukraine to join NATO.
The country is under increasing military pressure due to the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and has since been waging a destructive war.
