Angela Merkel stated that the leaders of the European Union should more actively utilize diplomatic opportunities and engage in direct negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the former chancellor emphasized that she herself does not intend to act as a mediator in this process.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged European Union leaders to engage in direct negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, but she herself does not plan to participate in this process. This was reported by bb.lv, citing Euractiv.
Merkel made it clear that she does not consider herself, as a former official, a suitable candidate for the role of negotiator. She noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin will only take seriously the current leaders of the EU.
"I regret that, in my opinion, Europe is not making sufficient use of its diplomatic potential," she said during an event in Berlin on Monday.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Europe to intensify diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. She "personally believes it is absolutely right" to provide military support to Ukraine and additionally create a deterrent effect for Russia, Merkel stated at a forum in Berlin organized by the German broadcaster WDR. "What I regret is that Europe, in my opinion, is not sufficiently utilizing its diplomatic potential," the AFP agency quoted her as saying.
"Diplomacy has always been the other side of the coin, including during the Cold War. Military deterrence plus diplomatic activity - I consider this important," emphasized the former chancellor. She added that, in her opinion, it is "not enough" if only U.S. President Donald Trump maintains contact with Russia.
The former chancellor, who maintained tense but mostly functional relations with the Russian leader during her sixteen years in office, stressed the need to keep diplomatic channels open.
Her remarks came amid speculation that she might take on the role of a special EU envoy to end the war in Ukraine.
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