Not trustworthy: Merkel refused to be a negotiator with Putin

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel refused to represent the European Union in negotiations with Russia on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. This is reported by Politico.

According to her, only those in power can be credible negotiators. At the same time, she pointed to her experience of communicating with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the "annexation of Crimea" in 2014.

"We were able to hold these talks with President Putin only because we had political power, because we were heads of government. This power is necessary. And personally, it would never have occurred to me to ask an intermediary to go to Minsk on my behalf and talk to Putin… This needs to be done independently," Merkel said, quoted by the Strana newspaper.

The ex-Chancellor criticized the leaders of the European Union for not doing anything to end the war in Ukraine.

"I think it's right that we should do much more to create a deterrent effect, in addition to our support for Ukraine. I regret that, in my opinion, Europe is not using its diplomatic potential enough," she said.

As reported by EADaily, the head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky, discussed with the European Union the candidacy of a negotiator with Moscow. He said this after a conversation with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.

Recall that Russian President Vladimir Putin would prefer to negotiate with Europe through Gerhardt Schroeder. He told reporters this at a press conference following meetings with foreign leaders who came to celebrate Victory Day.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will not represent Europe in negotiations with Russia — this is Putin's idea. This was stated by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna.

According to Western media, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel, Finnish President Alexander Stubb are considered as candidates for negotiators, and even the head of the European diplomacy, Kaya Kallas, is ready to try herself in this capacity.

Recall, the European Union is preparing for potential talks with Vladimir Putin. This was reported by the Financial Times newspaper with reference to the head of the European Council, Antonio Costa. The European Union has the "potential" for negotiations with Putin, Costa believes.