German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that his recent discussion with Vladimir Putin did not reveal any change in the Russian President’s stance regarding the war in Ukraine. However, he defended his controversial choice to reach out to the Kremlin.

The hour-long conversation, which marked their first direct interaction in nearly two years, took place just three months ahead of snap elections. Scholz faces significant challenges from populist factions on both the left and right, who are advocating for a revival of diplomatic efforts.

Critics, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, have argued that the call undermined Western unity for the sake of Scholz’s domestic political interests.

“It was crucial to convey to him (Putin) that he should not expect diminishing support from Germany, Europe, and many others globally,” Scholz remarked to the press.

He added, “The discussion was comprehensive but underscored that there has been little evolution in the Russian President’s perspective on the conflict, which is concerning.”

The call occurs against a backdrop of increasing interactions between leaders aligned with the West and the Kremlin, even as Russia continues to achieve modest yet consistent advances on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who previously served as Prime Minister of NATO member Portugal, participated in a BRICS summit in Russia. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is anticipated to join a security summit in Malta, an EU member, this December.

Donald Trump, having been re-elected as President of the United States, has expressed confidence in his ability to swiftly conclude the conflict and has appointed several security officials to his cabinet who are perceived to have a more favorable view of Moscow compared to their predecessors.

Chancellor Scholz noted the implications for Europe, stating, “In my opinion, it would not be advisable for discussions to take place between the American and Russian presidents without the involvement of a key European leader.”