Merkel eyed as EU–Russia mediator
Angela Merkel (Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka/Pool via REUTERS)
Former German Chancellor Angela
Merkel is being viewed as the best candidate to mediate potential talks
between the European Union and Russia, Der Spiegel reported
on May 12.
Political circles say Merkel is personally acquainted with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, and she has been retired from office for some time.
Merkel’s office said it had received no official requests about her taking part in talks and declined to say whether she would accept such a role in the future.
On May 9, Putin said former chancellor and Gazprom board member Gerhard Schröder would be suitable to act as Russia’s negotiator with Europe. On May 10, Reuters reported that Berlin rejected the idea. Brussels also dismissed the proposal.
European Council President António Costa said on May 7 that EU leaders are ready to begin negotiations with Russia. He said Europe is prepared to take part in any talks to end the war and that he had the support of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the matter.
On May 11, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said
EU ministers will discuss potential negotiations with Russia at an informal
meeting in Cyprus on May 27–28.
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