Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy advised German Chancellor Olaf Scholz against a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin on Friday, warning that it would diminish the Russian leader’s isolation and prolong the conflict, according to a source from Ukraine’s presidential office.

A spokesperson for the German government stated that Scholz encouraged Putin to initiate discussions with Kyiv to pave the way for a “just and lasting peace.” This marked the first phone call between the leaders since December 2022, amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The source in Kyiv informed Reuters that Scholz, a steadfast ally of Ukraine during the conflict with Russia, had notified Zelenskiy beforehand about his intention to speak with the Russian president.

“The chancellor communicated to our president his plans to engage with Putin. The President expressed that this would merely assist Putin by lessening his isolation. Putin is not seeking genuine peace; he desires a pause,” the source remarked.

“Engaging in dialogue with him will allow Putin to alter perceptions and sustain the war. It will not lead to peace, as Putin will merely reiterate the falsehoods he has propagated for years, creating the illusion that he is no longer isolated,” the source added.

During a one-hour phone call, Scholz insisted on the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine and reiterated Germany’s ongoing support for the country, according to a spokesperson from Germany.

Berlin plays a significant role as a financial supporter of Ukraine and is the largest supplier of arms after the United States, whose future assistance to Kyiv seems uncertain following Donald Trump’s recent election victory.