Merkel has called on Europe to make greater use of diplomacy in its relations with Russia
Merkel on diplomacy and relations with Russia
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on Europe to step up diplomatic efforts in relations with Russia against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the WDR European Forum in Berlin, she stated that, in her view, Europe is not making sufficient use of its diplomatic potential.
Merkel noted that she supports military aid to Ukraine and a policy of deterring Russia, but emphasised the importance of diplomacy.
“Diplomacy has always been the other side of the coin, even during the Cold War. Military deterrence plus diplomatic activity — that is what I consider important,” she said.
Angela Merkel also stated that it is not enough for US President Donald Trump alone to maintain contact with Russia.
“As Europeans, we are also someone,” she noted.
The former chancellor emphasised that it would be a mistake to underestimate Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the same time, she said, it would be just as much of a mistake not to believe in Europe’s own strength.
Merkel expressed her conviction that Europe, given its experience and capabilities, is capable of finding ways to resolve the situation.
Merkel on possible mediation in the negotiations
Angela Merkel also commented on discussions regarding possible mediation in negotiations with Russia.
She was sceptical about the idea that she or former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder should act as Europe’s mediators in talks with Vladimir Putin.
According to Merkel, during the negotiations in Minsk following the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of hostilities in Donbas in 2014, it “would never have occurred to me to ask a mediator to go to Minsk in my place and talk to Putin there”.
“You have to take matters into your own hands,” she said.
Merkel noted that such mediation requires the appropriate authority.
The 71-year-old former chancellor periodically condemns Russia’s war against Ukraine, but does not acknowledge her own mistakes. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, she has not visited Ukraine once.
She also believes that the Minsk talks, which partially ‘froze’ the war in Donbas, were successful.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Merkel over the Minsk talks and the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. He called on her to come to Kyiv and visit Bucha.
