Zelensky blasts Scholz's talks with Putin as opening 'Pandora's box'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed outrage at Friday's telephone call between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"In my opinion, Olaf's call opens Pandora's box," said Zelensky in a video message posted on social media platforms.

"Now there may be other conversations, other calls ... and that is exactly what Putin has wanted for a long time. It is crucial for him to weaken his international isolation, Russia's isolation."

Zelensky said that talks with Putin always "lead to nowhere."

He said he had been told in advance that Scholz would speak with Putin. Their one hour conversation on Friday was the first between them in nearly two years.