Overview
- Former chancellor Angela Merkel used the Republica forum and a WDR interview to say Europe is not using its diplomatic potential in the war over Ukraine.
- She backed continued military aid to Ukraine and said deterrence must run in parallel with diplomacy.
- Merkel argued it is insufficient if only President Donald Trump keeps contact with Moscow and urged Europeans to agree on a joint stance.
- She rejected outsourcing talks after reports Vladimir Putin floated former chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator and said leaders should handle contact directly.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Russia responds to offers to negotiate with heavier strikes and said Europe is ready to join talks with Ukraine, Russia, and the United States once Moscow halts attacks and agrees to negotiate.