German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reestablished contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin after nearly two years of silence, urging him to end the war in Ukraine.

In a one-hour phone call, Scholz pressed Putin to withdraw Russian troops and engage in negotiations for a just and lasting peace.

Despite Scholz's call for peace, Putin insisted that any resolution must consider Russia's security interests and the new territorial realities, which include the annexed Ukrainian regions.

Scholz reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.

The conversation comes as Ukraine braces for another harsh winter amid ongoing conflict, with Germany continuing to provide military aid despite budget constraints.