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Merz talks with Putin solely after coordination with companions

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed skepticism about potential direct talks between European heads of state or authorities with Russian President Vladimir Putin about an finish to the battle in Ukraine. During his journey by the Gulf area of Abu Dhabi, he recalled a go to by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Moscow, the results of which just a few days later was “heaviest bombardments even at a children’s hospital in Kiev”. “I don’t want to have any talks that lead to such results, but I would like to support all talks that serve the goal of ending this war,” stated Merz.

The Europeans would – if in any respect – solely take part within the negotiation course of in coordination with one another and with Ukraine and the United States if it will be useful. “But we will certainly not take uncoordinated individual measures that lead to the opposite of what we all want to achieve together,” emphasised Merz.

The European facet desires to assist make sure that the continuing talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States are profitable. But “no parallel conversation channels will be opened here”.

Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States met in Abu Dhabi within the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the desires of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the talks ought to proceed “in the very near future” – most likely within the United States. The Europeans will not be concerned on this.

Macron himself lately spoke out in favor of direct talks between the Europeans and Putin. His overseas coverage advisor Emmanuel Bonne traveled to Moscow this week. Merz stated: “This was closely coordinated with us. We have been talking about it for a long time.”