Merkel Urges Europe to Wield Diplomatic Power, Says Ukraine Deal Shouldn't Be Left to Trump Alone

(CNA Berlin, 18th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated today that Europe should make greater diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and the peace agreement should not be handed over to U.S. President Donald Trump alone. According to AFP, Merkel regrets that Europe has "not fully utilized its diplomatic potential." In an interview with Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) at the Re:Publica internet forum in Berlin, Merkel stated that she believes military support for Ukraine is "absolutely right." She added, "Diplomacy has always been the other side (of military action), even during the Cold War." "Military deterrence combined with diplomatic action, that's what I think is important." Merkel said she believes it is "not enough" if only Trump engages with Russia, adding that "we Europeans are also a force." Merkel served as German Chancellor from 2005 to 2021 and has been continuously criticized after leaving office for being too soft on Russia and making Germany dependent on cheap Russian energy for years. When asked about Merkel's remarks, current German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany and its European partners have "long sought deep dialogue to jointly move towards a peaceful solution." Merz believes it is important that Russia is willing to return to the negotiating table, at which point these talks will take place between Russia and Ukraine, with the support of Americans and Europeans. (Translator: Qu Xiangping) 1150519