German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the Kremlin leader’s first publicly announced conversation with the sitting head of a major Western power in nearly two years.

Zelenskiy criticises the call, saying it opens a 'Pandora's box,' undermining efforts to isolate the Russian president

Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned ‘Russia’s war of aggression’ against Ukraine during

Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls for negotiations with Putin regarding Ukraine, condemning Russia's aggression and supporting peace efforts.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks with Ukraine, in the first call between the leaders in almost two years.

During the conversation, Scholz condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling on Putin to end it and withdraw Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. He also urged Russia to negotiate with Ukraine to achieve a “just and lasting peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted in a conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Moscow's security interests be taken into account in resolving the Ukraine conflict, according to the Kremlin.