In Germany, it is believed that Zelenskyy should appoint Europe's negotiator

Any decision regarding the participation of representatives from Germany or the European Union in potential peace talks between Ukraine and Russia must be made exclusively by the Ukrainian government. 

This was stated by Jürgen Hardt, the foreign policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, in an interview with the Ukrinform news agency. 

The German politician emphasized that if Putin were truly serious about a settlement, he would have to address the President of Ukraine directly, who would then clarify his vision to the West.

Hartt called the Russian leader’s proposal to involve former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a potential mediator a smokescreen and propaganda aimed at strengthening pro-Russian sentiments in Germany and supporting the Alternative for Germany party. He also considers speculation in the media regarding the mediating role of German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier or other German figures to be mere speculation, as such options do not correspond to any real considerations within German political circles. Jürgen Hardt noted that the democratically elected President of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada must decide independently when and under what conditions to begin the process.

Germany or the European Union are ready to join the negotiations if requested to do so by the Ukrainian side, with the specific candidate for the representative role first being discussed confidentially, and only then will Volodymyr Zelenskyy formulate an official request on behalf of his people. In addition, the Conservative spokesperson firmly rejected scenarios involving possible pressure from Berlin on Kyiv to force a peace agreement. The politician noted that Germany is Ukraine’s largest bilateral donor, having provided aid totaling approximately 12.5 billion euros, excluding its contribution to the 90-billion-euro pan-European support plan.