The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, stated that Russian attacks against Ukraine contradict their claims of peace. He also criticized calls to involve former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in peace negotiations. This was reported by UNN with reference to The Guardian.
Details
In a speech in Aachen, Merz noted that while Ukraine and Europe "strive to help end this terrible war as quickly as possible," the Russian attacks "speak a different language" than Putin's statements that the war may be nearing its end.
Readiness for negotiations requires readiness for negotiations from both sides
He also very sharply rejected the proposal by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could act as a mediator between Russia and Europe.
We, Europeans, decide for ourselves who will speak on our behalf. No one else. Europe has the opportunity to help shape a new world order to ensure it is governed by norms and rules, rather than by arbitrariness and the law of the strongest
Death toll in Kyiv from Russia's massive attack rises to nine14.05.26, 18:16