Former Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed skepticism regarding the ongoing debate about her or her predecessor, Gerhard Schröder, taking on a mediating role in the Ukraine conflict. Speaking on Monday at the WDR “Europaforum” hosted by Republica in Berlin, Merkel insisted that people must first revisit the circumstances of 2014. She pointed out that in that year, Crimea had been annexed, Russia’s military actions in Donbas had started, and it was during that time that she and President Hollande conducted the Minsk negotiations.
Merkel emphasized that the only reason she and Hollande could have pursued those talks with Putin was because they possessed political authority, specifically because they held the positions of head of government. Consequently, she voiced doubts about the notion that a merely “acting head of government” as the Russian president was, could serve as a mediator.
In conclusion, Merkel asserted that power is crucial for such efforts. She stated that she personally would never suggest that someone mediate the conflict by traveling to Minsk to speak with Putin.
