German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conducted an official diplomatic telephone conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 15, 2026, marking their first direct head-of-state conversation since December 2022. The bilateral dialogue, which spanned approximately one hour, addressed conditions governing prospective diplomatic negotiations to conclude the conflict in Ukraine.
According to formal statements issued in Berlin by Federal Government Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, Scholz condemned continued Russian military operations targeting sovereign Ukrainian territory and civilian energy infrastructure networks. Chancellor Scholz demanded that Russia terminate combat operations, withdraw deployed armed forces from Ukraine, and demonstrate genuine willingness to negotiate a comprehensive and enduring peace with Kyiv. Chancellor Scholz reiterated that Germany remains steadfast in providing bilateral financial, humanitarian, and advanced defensive military systems for as long as Ukraine requires to defend its territorial integrity.
Documenting the conversation from Moscow, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed the one-hour duration. President Putin outlined Russian security conditions regarding prospective diplomatic settlements. President Putin emphasized that Russia has never rejected diplomatic negotiations, provided that any prospective peace framework accommodates the legitimate security interests of the Russian Federation and acknowledges existing territorial realities established along active front lines. The Kremlin communique added that Russia remains prepared to explore mutually advantageous commercial energy cooperation should German industrial enterprises express commercial interest.
In an evening video address to the nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Scholz notified him prior to placing the telephone call. Zelenskyy criticized the engagement, warning that diplomatic dialogue fulfills the Kremlin's strategic ambition to dismantle international diplomatic isolation, opening a dangerous Pandora's box that invites prolonged dialogue without tangible concessions. Chancellor Scholz communicated conversational outcomes to French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Diplomatic staff scheduled specialized briefings for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
