Merkel is seen as a potential mediator in negotiations between the EU and Russia

The former German chancellor is considered the ideal candidate for engaging in dialogue with the Kremlin due to her many years of experience and personal acquaintance with leaders on both sides of the conflict. Her status as a retired politician allows her to act as an independent mediator in complex geopolitical processes. 

This is reported by Spiegel.

The office of the former head of the German government has not yet received any official requests regarding her involvement in the negotiation process. At the same time, political circles in the EU emphasize the importance of independently selecting a negotiator to prevent Moscow from imposing its own candidates. Ishinger, the head of the Munich Security Conference, noted that such a figure must have the unquestionable support of all bloc members, including the Baltic states and Eastern European countries.

Interest in Merkel’s candidacy is growing amid European capitals’ desire to strengthen their agency in the dialogue with Russia. EU High Representative Kallas emphasized that Europe must play a direct role in shaping the terms of a future peace. Further steps regarding the appointment of an official mediator will depend on a consolidated position among EU leaders and the former chancellor’s own willingness to return to high-level politics in a new role.

Ukraine categorically rejects the possibility of involving former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as a mediator in negotiations with Russia. The Ukrainian ambassador stated that due to his long-standing cooperation with and promotion of the Kremlin’s interests, Schröder has neither the moral nor the political legitimacy for such a role.

Berlin called theRussian Federation’s proposal regarding Schröder’s mediation a fiction.