Zelensky Slams German Chancellor’s Call With Putin As ‘Pandora’s Box’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a “Pandora’s box” that undermines efforts to isolate Moscow. The conversation marked the first direct contact between the leaders in more than two years and has reignited tensions between Berlin and Kiev.

Scholz reportedly urged Putin to engage in negotiations aimed at achieving a “just and lasting peace.” However, Zelensky has maintained that Russia is not interested in genuine diplomacy and accused Moscow of using talks to advance its own interests without altering its aggressive policies.

“Olaf’s call, in my opinion, is a Pandora’s box,” Zelensky said. “Now there may be other conversations, other calls. This is exactly what Putin has long wanted: it is extremely important for him to weaken his isolation and to conduct ordinary negotiations that will not end in anything.”

The Ukrainian president reiterated that any ceasefire must include “robust security guarantees” to prevent future Russian offensives. He added that pre-war negotiations allowed Russia to entrench its policies, ultimately leading to the current conflict. “This gave Russia the opportunity not to change anything in its policy, and this is exactly what led to this war,” Zelensky said in a recent address.

Germany remains one of Ukraine’s key allies, providing significant financial aid and military equipment, second only to the United States. However, Berlin’s reluctance to send long-range Taurus cruise missiles has strained relations, with Zelensky voicing frustration over the delay.

During the one-hour conversation, Scholz reportedly demanded that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine and reaffirmed Berlin’s continued support for Kiev. The Kremlin, however, maintained that any peace agreement must reflect “new territorial realities” and address Russia’s security concerns.

Moscow described the call as “extremely positive,” underscoring Putin’s interest in reducing Russia’s diplomatic isolation. Zelensky, on the other hand, warned that such overtures could embolden the Kremlin and weaken international unity against Russian aggression.

As Ukraine continues to push for NATO membership and full sovereignty over its occupied territories, any suggestion of negotiations with Moscow remains a deeply contentious issue. Kiev’s leadership insists that concessions to Russia would amount to capitulation, a position that underscores the growing divide between Ukraine and some of its Western allies.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR