The German government has reiterated its opposition to reopening diplomatic channels with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, an idea that has gained attention with support from French and Italian leaders.
“We support direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine at the highest level, because without Ukraine’s participation there can be no just and lasting peace,” a spokesperson for the German Federal Foreign Ministry told Euronews.
“Unfortunately, so far we have not seen any change in Russia’s position. Russia continues its brutal attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and other civilian targets, repeats its extremist demands, and shows no real desire to negotiate.”
Last week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was “skeptical” about the prospect of re-engaging with the Kremlin, noting the Kremlin’s continued refusal to establish an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, a long-standing demand of European countries.
“We must maintain pressure and sanctions and strengthen them as much as possible,” Merz said, noting that the European Union was already in contact with Kiev and the United States to convey a unified view.
“Moscow must be willing to end the war. If Moscow is not, the price we have to pay for this war, including the economic price, will increase week by week and month by month. Unfortunately, that is the situation we are in today,” he added.
The comments put Germany, the European Union’s largest member state, in direct conflict with France. After hosting a “coalition of the willing” meeting last month, French President Emmanuel Macron said talks with Putin, which have been largely suspended since February 2022, should begin “as soon as possible.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also supported Macron’s position.
“I believe that the time has come for Europe to also have a dialogue with Russia,” Meloni said. “If Europe decides to engage in negotiations at this stage by talking only to one side of the two sides, I am concerned that ultimately the positive contribution that Europe can make will be limited.”
The European Commission acknowledged that direct negotiations could take place “at some point”, but the High Representative said Kaja KaraThe committee member later issued a statement of opposition, calling on Russia to respond “seriously” and make concessions as a first step.
“What we’re doing is putting more pressure on Russia to go from pretending to negotiate to actually negotiating,” Karas said.
As peace negotiations progress, Security guarantees become tangibleEuropean capitals are critically examining their role in this process, the outcome of which, if any, will redefine the continent’s security architecture for generations to come.
For some, Russia’s relentless bombing campaign, which has left Ukraine with blackouts in subzero temperatures, is reason enough to distance itself from Putin.
Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Euronews: “Unless Russia changes its actions and objectives in the invasion of Ukraine, it will not be possible to hold talks with Russia and should not offer Russia a way out of isolation.”
“We must not make the mistake again and again of restoring relations when Russia has not changed course.”
But for other Europeans, they need to pick up the phone themselves to avoid relying on the White House, which is today the main intermediary with Moscow.
“The EU should consider appointing a special envoy for future peace negotiations regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine,” the Czech Foreign Ministry told Euronews. “While negotiations are currently being advanced by the United States, Russia and Ukraine, it makes sense to consider Europe’s role in the long term in order to remain a relevant participant.”
Amid the political debate, Brussels is preparing a new environmental sanctions package against Russia, expected to be announced in the coming days so it can be approved by February 24, the fourth anniversary of a full-scale invasion.
