Merkel comments on proposal to represent EU in talks with Russia
Photo: Angela Merkel (Getty Images)
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on European leaders to engage in direct negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. At the same time, she rejected the idea of taking on the role of negotiator herself, according to Euractiv.
The former Chancellor made it clear that she does not see herself as a suitable candidate for the role of mediator. She said Russian leader Vladimir Putin would only take current EU leaders seriously.
At the same time, Merkel expressed concern over the current foreign policy approach of European countries.
"What I regret is that, in my view, Europe is not making sufficient use of its diplomatic potential," she said
The former German Сhancellor stressed the need to keep diplomatic channels open. In her view, the key factor now is military deterrence combined with diplomatic efforts.
Politico named Merkel, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi among the potential candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia. However, some European politicians consider Merkel’s previous mediation efforts unsuccessful.
Earlier, Ukraine and Germany opposed the possibility of involving former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, whose candidacy had been proposed by the Russian leader.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also opposed his candidacy, saying Schröder is a well-known lobbyist for Russian companies.
German media reports suggest that a possible negotiation option could be a duo comprising Schröder and the current German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Supporters of the idea point to Steinmeier’s diplomatic experience and his involvement in negotiations on Donbas.
