Bloomberg was the first to report the development, citing several sources, and highlights the uncertainty felt in Europe concerning Ukraine policy over Trump's return to the White House. "Germany is Ukraine’s second-biggest supporter after the US and has pledged billions of euros in additional aid," it notes.

Scholz first announced Sunday his desire to speak to Putin "soon" about achieving peace in Ukraine, bringing the war to an end. "Yes, I decided to talk to the president of Russia at the right time. But I'm a responsible politician, I don’t do it alone," Scholz told a German broadcaster.

The timing of the German leader's words suggest Trump being in the White House provides the nudge to finally get serious about diplomacy and negotiations with Moscow:

Scholz spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday, with the German chancellor’s spokesman saying the two discussed working "toward a return to peace in Europe."