### Zelenskyy Criticizes German Chancellor's Call with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced discontent over German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that it undermines efforts to maintain the isolation of the Russian leader. In a Friday evening address, Zelenskyy argued that the exchange has potentially opened a "Pandora's box," enabling further such conversations. He stated, “Now there may be other conversations, other calls. Just a lot of words. And this is exactly what Putin has long wanted: It is crucial for him to weaken his isolation, Russia's isolation.”

During the one-hour call on Friday, Scholz urged Putin to cease his war on Ukraine and withdraw Russian troops. According to German media, this marks the first direct interaction between the two leaders in nearly two years. A German government spokesperson confirmed that Scholz encouraged Russia to negotiate with Ukraine to establish a just and lasting peace. Scholz had informed Zelenskyy of the impending call beforehand, as noted by the spokesperson.

In recent months, Scholz has advocated for a second conference to discuss peace in Ukraine, this time including Russia. The first peace summit took place in Switzerland in June without Kremlin's participation. The two leaders agreed to maintain communication, with Scholz stressing the severe implications of deploying North Korean soldiers to aid Russia in the conflict against Ukraine.

Scholz has constantly attempted to balance supporting Ukraine with preventing the conflict from escalating further. Germany has provided substantial military aid to Kyiv, more than any other European country, while Scholz positions himself as a mediator to avoid war escalation.

The last time Scholz and Putin communicated was in December 2022, ten months after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Separately, Zelenskyy mentioned Ukraine's aspiration to end the war through diplomatic avenues by next year. In a radio interview aired Saturday, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine's strength and solidarity against Russia, while expressing doubt over Putin's willingness to negotiate for peace.