In their first conversation since the US election, United States President-elect Donald Trump and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have agreed to collaborate on “a return to peace in Europe,” according to a German government spokesperson.
Scholz’s spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, stated that the two leaders discussed the German-American relationship and the pressing geopolitical challenges, with Scholz emphasizing the German government’s commitment to continued successful cooperation with the United States. Both leaders also expressed their intent to work together toward restoring peace in Europe.
Trump’s return to the White House has drawn close attention in Europe, particularly regarding his potential stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Trump has previously criticized President Joe Biden’s support for Kyiv, claiming that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine under his administration and that he could resolve the conflict “in 24 hours.”
On Sunday, The Washington Post reported that Trump had a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to avoid escalating the conflict in Ukraine. During the call from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, he reminded Putin of the significant US military presence in Europe, according to an anonymous source.
Earlier in the week, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a call that was notably joined by Elon Musk, one of Trump’s influential backers. Trump has also connected with several other European leaders recently, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Scholz, who is facing snap elections early next year after his coalition government collapsed, had voiced criticism of Trump during the US election campaign, calling him divisive and favoring Biden.
