President Vladimir Putin informed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday that Russia is open to discussing energy agreements if Berlin expresses interest, according to a statement from the Kremlin. This marked their first phone conversation since December 2022.

The Kremlin reported that the two leaders engaged in a “detailed and frank exchange of views” regarding Ukraine, with Putin reiterating his long-standing position that any peace agreement must consider Moscow’s security concerns and reflect “new territorial realities,” highlighting that Russian forces currently control approximately one-fifth of Ukraine.

Putin also noted a significant deterioration in relations between Russia and Germany, attributing this to what he described as unfriendly actions by Germany, as stated by the Kremlin.

The statement emphasized that Russia has consistently honored its treaty and contractual obligations in the energy sector and is prepared for mutually beneficial cooperation if Germany shows interest.

Prior to the conflict, Germany was heavily dependent on Russian gas, but direct supplies halted following the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines in 2022.

In response to the war, Germany and other European Union nations have implemented multiple rounds of sanctions against Russia and have taken measures to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas.

Regarding Ukraine, the Kremlin reiterated Putin’s position from June, which stated that the war could conclude if Kyiv renounced its NATO aspirations and ceded control of the four regions claimed by Russia. Ukraine has dismissed these terms as equivalent to capitulation.

The Kremlin asserted that any potential agreements must consider the security interests of the Russian Federation, reflect new territorial realities, and address the fundamental causes of the conflict.