Scholz Denies Rumors of Meeting with Putin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly denied rumors about a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin in the coming weeks, Orda reports.

The controversy erupted after Roderich Kiesewetter, the defense spokesperson for the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), claimed on social media that Scholz would likely visit Moscow before February 23.

Scholz openly responded.

That is a false claim. That is deeply indecent, Scholz said.

Meanwhile, Matthias Miersch, Secretary General of Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD), condemned Kiesewetter's post as "extremely problematic, infamous and dishonest," noting it violated agreements on fair campaign practices ahead of upcoming elections.

The government is taking the matter seriously, with spokesman Steffen Hebestreit announcing that legal action is being considered against the CDU spokesperson's claims.

This political tension comes as the CDU leads in pre-election polls, with party leader Friedrich Merz considered the leading candidate to become the next chancellor.

Incidentally, Scholz had made a phone call with Putin in November — their first conversation in almost two years. 

Reportedly, Scholz strongly criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling for troop withdrawal and a negotiated peace settlement.

He emphasized Germany's continued commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

Regardless, the call prompted concern from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned it could open a "Pandora's box," leading to increased diplomatic engagement with Putin.