Germany’s newly elected Chancellor Olaf Scholz has announced that he intends to have a dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future.

Scholz said that he wants to address the issues of security, human rights, and cooperation in the European region with Putin, as well as explore the possibilities of reducing tensions and building trust.

Scholz also expressed his support for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, which has been criticized by some of Germany’s allies as a threat to their energy security and a concession to Russia’s influence. Scholz said that he believes that the project is in Germany’s economic interest and that it does not undermine the solidarity of the European Union or NATO.

He added that he will consult with his partners and allies on how to ensure that the pipeline does not harm Ukraine’s interests or sovereignty.