In a strong stance against the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has asserted that he "will speak to Vladimir Putin" and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Scholz, who last conversed with the Russian President almost a year ago, insisted that a dialogue can only proceed if there is visible progress from the Kremlin.

Addressing voters in the state of Brandenburg, Scholz reiterated Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion. He emphasized that Putin should not succeed in his objective of forcefully annexing parts of a neighboring country.

Scholz expressed his understanding that organizing a future meeting with Putin is not a simple affair. He compared it to "going for a coffee with someone" and stated that expecting immediate agreement would be naïve. When questioned about the possibility of peace negotiations, Scholz remarked that there are currently no signs of such negotiations occurring.

These remarks from Scholz came shortly after a brief meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, where both leaders acknowledged the urgent need to pressure Russia to end its invasion, despite holding differing viewpoints on aspects of the Middle East conflict.

However, Chancellor Scholz cautioned voters against overestimating Germany's influence on the global stage. He quoted his predecessor, Helmut Schmidt, by stating that Germany is a middle-sized power and should not misconstrue its capabilities.

As tensions continue to rise in Ukraine, the international community eagerly awaits the outcomes of Chancellor Scholz's proposed talks with President Putin. The hope remains that diplomatic efforts can bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis and prevent further escalation of the conflict.