Scholz's Controversial Call with Putin Sparks European Criticism

European officials criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis calling it a "really strange strategy." The call, which was not coordinated with allies, aimed to urge Putin to end the war in Ukraine. However, officials like Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and EU diplomat Josep Borrell expressed skepticism about its effectiveness, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned it could weaken Russia's isolation.