German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. © Global Look Press / IMAGO / dts Nachrichtenagentur
The European Union should "re-establish a balance with our top European neighbour", said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, turning distant from his earlier position on relations with Russia.
Most EU associate States have sought to isolate Russia since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022.
This approach effectively removed the block from the peace negotiations initiated by US president Donald Trump last year.
In this context, respective EU associate States have late called for diplomatic contacts with Moscow to resume.
On Wednesday, Merz said: "If we win in uncovering a balance with Russia again in the long term, if there is peace... we will be able to look to the future with large assurance beyond 2026".
In an interview with ‘Süddeutsche Zeitung’ In June last year, Merz said he would refrain from telephone conversations with Russian president Vladimir Putin, suggesting that specified contacts with Moscow were pointless.
A clear change in the German Chancellor's tactics occurred a fewer days after the European Commission's main spokesperson, Paul Pinho, stated that"Of course, at any point talks will besides be needed with president Putin".
Last period French president Emmanuel Macron called ‘ordered’ resume talks with Moscow about Ukraine conflict.
"I think talking to Vladimir Putin will be useful" – he said.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Pieskov responded by confirming that the president of Russia is open to dialog with his French counterpart.
However, he stressed that any interaction with Macron should not be utilized as an chance to ‘proclamation of lectures’But they should focus on "understanding common positions".
In a speech last Friday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supported Macro's diplomatic gestures towards Moscow.
"I believe it is time for Europe to talk to Russia" – she said.
Meloni suggested the appointment of an EU peculiar Envoy for Ukraine to guarantee better representation of the block at the negotiating table.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/news/631014-germany-merz-calls-for-dialogue-russia/
