The conversation between Scholz and Putin lasted an hour according to several German media outlets, and is the first in nearly two years. The last time the two leaders spoke was in December 2022.
Before the conversation with Putin, Scholz is said to have spoken with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and made plans for another conversation after Scholz and Putin had spoken, according to the German government.
According to Scholz's office, the Chancellor condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, urged Putin to end it and withdraw troops. Scholz also called for "Russia's willingness to negotiate with Ukraine in order to achieve a just and lasting peace", according to a statement from the German government.
"Detailed and sincere"
Russia's government describes the conversation as "a detailed and sincere exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine", and says in a statement that any agreements should "be based on the new territorial realities", writes AFP.
Ukraine, on the other hand, condemns the conversation between Scholz and Putin. President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Putin has been looking forward to it, and compares it to opening "Pandora's box".
"This is exactly what Putin has wanted for a long time: it is extremely important for him to reduce isolation", says Zelensky in a statement, according to AFP.
During the invasion year 2022, the German Chancellor received harsh criticism for his contact with Moscow, which he countered by saying it is "absolutely necessary" to talk to Putin.
Largest support to Ukraine
Germany is, apart from the USA, the country that has provided the largest support to Ukraine. Donald Trump's victory in the American presidential election last week has raised questions about how Europe should act going forward, and whether Germany should take on a more active leadership role to prevent further Russian advances during the coming winter of war.
Scholz's government colleague, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, has demanded further German arms deliveries to Kyiv, despite the budget and government crisis that has paralyzed Berlin.
