Moscow has condemned German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after he referred to President Vladimir Putin as a “war criminal,” escalating tensions between Russia and Germany amid the ongoing Ukraine war.

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Introduction

Diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Berlin escalated this week after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz publicly referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “war criminal.” The Kremlin swiftly condemned the statement, accusing Germany of fueling hostility and undermining prospects for dialogue.

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What Scholz Said

During a recent press conference, Scholz criticized Russia’s conduct in Ukraine, pointing to alleged atrocities committed during the conflict. He used the term “war criminal” in reference to Putin, a move that sparked outrage in Moscow.

Scholz’s choice of words reflects Germany’s increasingly hard stance on Russia, especially after repeated reports of civilian casualties in Ukraine and Russia’s continued missile and drone strikes.

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Russia’s Response

The Kremlin fired back strongly, accusing Scholz of:

• Using inflammatory rhetoric that damages bilateral relations.
• Aligning too closely with U.S. and NATO narratives against Moscow.
• Blocking chances for future peace talks by demonizing Russia’s leadership.

Russian officials also warned that Germany’s role in supplying weapons to Ukraine already strained ties, and Scholz’s remarks could make matters worse.

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Germany’s Position on the War

Germany has emerged as one of Ukraine’s strongest backers in Europe by:

• Sending advanced weapons and military aid packages.
• Supporting EU sanctions against Russia.
• Advocating for Ukraine’s sovereignty and future EU integration.

By calling Putin a war criminal, Scholz has aligned Germany more firmly with the U.S. and other Western allies pressing for accountability in Ukraine.

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International Reactions

• Ukraine: Welcomed Scholz’s words as moral clarity against Russia’s actions.
• Western allies: Quietly supported the sentiment while focusing on aid to Kyiv.
• Russia’s partners: Accused Berlin of playing into Washington’s agenda.

This episode underscores how the Ukraine war continues to reshape Europe’s relations with Moscow.

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Conclusion

Russia’s sharp response to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s comments highlights the deepening rift between Berlin and Moscow. By calling Putin a “war criminal,” Scholz signaled Germany’s unwavering stance against Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Kremlin’s reaction shows that the war is not only being fought on the battlefield but also in the arena of international diplomacy and rhetoric.

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