Germany's Scholz speaks with Putin, demands Russia withdraw from Ukraine

FILE - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz leaves the Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, Nov. 7, 2024. A German government spokesperson said Scholz spoke via telephone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday.

A German government spokesperson said that Chancellor Olaf Scholz held direct talks via telephone Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which he demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and that Russia show a willingness to negotiate a just and lasting peace.