05:19 19-05-2026

Merkel Says Current Leaders Should Handle Russia Talks

Angela Merkel says talks with Russia should be led by current officials, citing Minsk talks and responding to debate over a European negotiator.

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Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel says talks with Russia should be handled by serving politicians — people who hold real power and carry direct responsibility for decisions.

Merkel made the point at a forum organized by the WDR broadcaster, referring to the experience of the Minsk talks. In her view, dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin was possible at the time precisely because the participants had political mandates and led their governments.

She said it would not have occurred to her to send a mediator to Minsk in her place to speak with the Russian leader. Merkel added that, in her opinion, the decisive role in such contacts should belong to those who are currently in office and accountable for the outcome.

The issue of a possible European negotiator had earlier been raised by Politico. The outlet reported that Merkel, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi were being discussed as potential figures for contacts with Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the question on May 9. Speaking about a possible European interlocutor, he said he would personally prefer former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. At the same time, Putin said the choice was up to Europeans themselves: they needed a leader they trusted and one who had not made harsh attacks against Russia.