External powers blocked Ukraine-Russia peace deal in Istanbul Ex-German chancellor claims

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder revealed that during negotiations in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia were on the verge of signing a peace agreement to end the war, but the deal was ultimately blocked by "powerful forces."

Schröder made these remarks in an interview with German media, suggesting that external influences derailed the talks, Caliber.Az reports.

According to Schröder, he was offering a compromise on a settlement between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

The proposed agreement included a compromise where Donbas would remain part of Ukraine, while Crimea would be treated as a Russian enclave under a "South Tyrolean solution." Additionally, the deal would have prevented Ukraine from joining NATO.

However, Schröder claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was unable to act independently. He suggested that "more powerful circles" behind Zelenskyy obstructed the peace efforts, believing that prolonging the conflict would strategically weaken Russia.

While Schröder criticized the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, warning of its escalation, he also condemned President Vladimir Putin's invasion as a "serious mistake" and expressed hope in Donald Trump's potential to bring about a resolution.