Angela Merkel criticizes Europe for 'not making sufficient use of diplomacy' in Russian-Ukrainian war
Merkel made the remarks at the WDR European Forum during the digital conference Republica, according to Ukrinform.
Merkel called on Europe to "make greater diplomatic efforts" in Russia's war against Ukraine and to "have more confidence in its own strength."
"Underestimating Putin and the mistakes of the Europeans now would be just as much of a mistake. And not trusting ourselves would be equally wrong. And what is our goal in this conflict? In my opinion, the goal is that at the end of it there is a Ukraine that can freely make its own decisions. Personally, I believe it is absolutely right what we have done in terms of military support. I also think it is right that we are doing much more for deterrence than simply supporting Ukraine. I regret that, in my opinion, Europe is not sufficiently using its diplomatic potential," Merkel said.
According to her, diplomacy has always been the other side of the coin, even during the Cold War. She stressed that military deterrence combined with diplomatic activity is important. Merkel said she "would like to see a common EU position," adding that long-term work is needed to develop such a united and strong stance.
"Everyone who bears responsibility today is responsible for doing what is necessary," she noted, adding that she does not believe it is enough for only Donald Trump to maintain contacts with Russia.
"We Europeans are also somebody, and with our experience and our resources, which I believe are considerable, we can find solutions," Merkel added.
The former German chancellor also indirectly rejected the idea of acting as a mediator to end the conflict.
She stated that during the Minsk negotiations following Russia's annexation of Crimea and the actions of pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's Donbas, she would never have thought of asking a mediator to go to Minsk instead of her to speak with Vladimir Putin. According to Merkel, those who currently bear responsibility and possess political power — not mediators — must take matters into their own hands.
As previously reported, Vladimir Putin recently proposed former German chancellor and his friend Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian war. The idea was rejected by both Ukraine and Europe.
