**Former UK PM Criticizes Scholz-Putin Call**
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed concern over the recent phone conversation between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call took place on November 15, marking a break in Western diplomatic isolation of Putin since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
**Concerns Over Normandy Format Revival**
Johnson criticized the Normandy Format approach, which treated Russia and Ukraine as “equal interlocutors in a domestic squabble.” He argued that this approach is a step backward and ignores the reality of Putin’s aggression. Johnson endorsed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s description of the call as a “Pandora’s box.”
**Strengthening Ukraine’s Position**
Johnson emphasized that strengthening Ukraine’s position rapidly and substantially remains the sole path to ending the war. He argued that treating Russia and Ukraine equally in peace talks would be a betrayal of the reality of Putin’s actions.
**Reaction from Ukrainian President**
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not engage in peace talks with Russia unless it holds a position of strength and international support, particularly from Western allies. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russia is leveraging uncertainties in US policy to influence European allies regarding Ukraine.
**German Chancellor’s Stance**
German Chancellor Scholz reportedly initiated the call after weeks of preparation with G7 nations. He condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine and demanded troop withdrawal, while Putin asserted that any peace agreement should acknowledge Russia’s territorial gains and security demands.
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