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German chancellor rules out direct contact with Putin as previous calls led to more strikes on civilians
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ruled out telephoning Russian President Vladimir Putin in the foreseeable future, citing a pattern of escalated attacks following diplomatic outreach attempts, according to an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Friedrich Merz differs notably in his approach to Vladimir Putin and Russia compared to his predecessor Olaf Scholz. The latter, during his tenure, emphasized caution and restraint, supporting Ukraine financially but hesitating to provide advanced weaponry out of concern for escalation, while also cutting energy ties with Moscow and warning against underestimating Putin’s territorial ambitions. In contrast, Merz has taken a more assertive stance, advocating for stronger military support to Ukraine—including the supply of Taurus cruise missiles and allowing Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russia.
Merz pointed to two examples where diplomatic engagement with Putin appeared to coincide with intensified Russian military actions, Süddeutsche Zeitung reports.
He referenced Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s visit to Moscow in July 2024, which was followed by heavy bombardments of Kyiv including the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital.
Similarly, after Olaf Scholz’s phone conversation with Putin in November 2024, Russian forces launched a massive attack on Ukraine and also bombed a children’s hospital.
“If this is the result of such phone calls, I would refrain from them for a long time,” Merz told the German newspaper.
This represents a shift from Merz’s position in May, when he had not excluded the possibility of direct negotiations with Putin. At that time, Western leaders including Merz were assessing whether Russia might agree to a ceasefire suggested for a discussion during Istanbul talks. The German chancellor had indicated he would be “ready to do a lot” if it would help end the war.
Regarding US President Donald Trump’s approach to Russia, Merz suggested he has observed changes in the American leader’s stance. The German chancellor characterized Trump as showing “growing skepticism” and becoming “more critical” toward Moscow.
Merz described this as part of an ongoing process, noting that Europe maintains a unified assessment of the war.
“I believe that President Trump is approaching this assessment,” he said.
