Merkel advocates diplomacy amid critiques over Russian stance
Angela Merkel remarked there is nothing wrong with attempting to understand Vladimir Putin. In an interview with "Berliner Zeitung," the former German chancellor criticized the invasion of Ukraine and added that "discussion about Russia's interests must be allowed."
The former German chancellor said understanding what Putin is doing and empathizing with his situation is not wrong. Merkel noted that such an approach is part of diplomacy and does not mean supporting the Russian president's policies.
The 70-year-old former politician also added, "there is no justification for his invasion of another country." However, we should discuss Russian interests and not attack everyone who tries to understand Putin.
Putin seeks recognition
The former chancellor revealed that, in her opinion, the Russian leader seeks recognition, "especially from America." Merkel believes this mindset is rooted in the Cold War, where the U.S. is the real power and a point of reference for Putin.
In Merkel's view, it cannot be clearly stated whether Trump will side with Putin. - However, the fact that the U.S., together with Russia, adopted a resolution against Ukraine's territorial integrity just a few days before the Oval Office meeting at the UN General Assembly is very surprising and unusual, she stressed.
She found the incident in the Oval Office depressing. - I would have preferred not to witness this meeting, especially since it was also watched throughout Russia, including by President Putin - she explained.
Merkel disagrees with the criticism she faced after the start of the war in Ukraine. She pointed out that Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, when the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was not yet operational.
I recommend empathizing with the situation at that time. And I also recommend not immediately saying, when a different perspective emerges today, that you made the wrong decision then, she admitted.
In Merkel's opinion, "when the hour of diplomacy strikes, it cannot be decided by President Zelensky alone, but by Ukraine together with its supporters."
The words of the former chancellor caught the attention of Russian media. "Berliner Zeitung" quotes Russia Today television, which assessed that "Merkel sharply criticizes the witch hunt on Putin's sympathizers."
Some German analysts criticized Merkel, reminding that she focused on economic relations with Moscow, particularly in the context of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project. Merkel "is accused of increasing Germany's dependence on Russian gas," according to "Berliner Zeitung". The daily points out that Merkel could have taken a more decisive stance towards Putin after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
