Moscow Connection: German opposition suggests that Scholz may meet with Putin by the end of February.

The spokesperson for the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU), Roderich Kiesewetter, stated that Chancellor Olaf Scholz may meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This meeting could take place before the parliamentary elections in Germany on February 23. The German opposition is already criticizing the potential ties to Moscow.

"There are increasing signs that Chancellor Scholz will travel to Moscow and meet with Putin before February 23. For Ukraine, the realization of these plans would mean, among other things, a suspension of the Paris Charter for 10-20 years. How the Ukrainian people or our neighbors will react to this will be revealed in time," — wrote Kiesewetter on X (formerly Twitter).

Kiesewetter criticized the potential meeting, warning: "Ukraine should not become an object or a victim. Russia is mired in economic and social problems, but it is Ukraine, which is in a much worse condition, that should receive support — not Russia!".

He also cautioned that any negotiations at this time "are at the expense of Ukraine and de facto mean capitulation."

In his election campaign, Scholz positions himself as the "chancellor of peace," advocating for support for Ukraine while also seeking negotiations with Russia to end the war. At the same time, Kiesewetter criticized the so-called "Moscow connection" and called for greater clarity and decisiveness in Germany's leadership.

According to recent polls, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is currently leading, and its head, Friedrich Merz, is considered the favorite for the position of the next Chancellor of Germany.

Scholz's Negotiations with Putin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first phone call in nearly two years on November 15, as reported by the German government. This unexpected hour-long conversation provided an opportunity for Scholz to condemn Russia's war in Ukraine, urging Putin to withdraw troops and achieve a "just and lasting peace" through negotiations. Scholz reaffirmed Germany's "unwavering determination" to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression for as long as necessary.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on November 15 that Scholz's call to Putin opens a "Pandora's box," which could potentially lead to "other conversations and calls."