German chancellor rules out talks with Putin, citing failed past diplomacy

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed he has no intention of speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that previous diplomatic engagements have failed to reduce tensions in Ukraine.

Referencing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s July 2024 visit to Moscow and a prior phone call between former Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Putin, Merz said both interactions were followed by intensified Russian attacks, Caliber.Az reports via DW. 

“The recent visit by the Hungarian prime minister was followed by Russia launching heavy airstrikes on Kyiv and hospitals. The recent phone call with my predecessor was followed by the bombing of a children’s hospital. If that’s the outcome of such calls, I’d rather refrain from them for a long while,” Merz stated.

When asked about US President Donald Trump’s stance on Putin, Merz noted a shift: “The US president is showing increasing skepticism and is becoming more critical. It’s a process.”

He added that Europe maintains a unified assessment of the conflict and believes that “President Trump is moving closer to that view.” 

Meanwhile, during the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin expressed openness to engaging with Merz - though that offer appears unlikely to be taken up any time soon.

By Naila Huseynova