Poland and the Baltic States did not support direct negotiations with Russia in 2021, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated in an interview with the Hungarian publication "Partizan."
The basis for this was the concern that European Union (EU) member states would not be able to develop a unified position towards Russia.
The inability to hold direct negotiations with the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin influenced the further course of events, Merkel claims.
"Times have changed now, and we need to think about what position is best to take in order to achieve peace," the former chancellor added. She acknowledged that this would be possible if Europe becomes "a real deterrent and supports Ukraine."
In the interview, Merkel also stated that she does not consider Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to be Russia's "Trojan horse" in Europe. However, she does not support Hungary's refusal to stop importing Russian energy resources.
