German ex-chancellor sees no military solution to Ukrainian conflict

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed her belief that the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict is only possible through negotiations, as there is no military solution.

She emphasized her support for the current actions of the German government and the European Union, which continue to provide assistance to Kyiv, but pointed out that at some point, negotiations will be necessary, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

"At a certain moment, negotiations will be required, and responsible individuals will have to determine when that moment arrives," Merkel stated. "There will be no purely military solution."

In a separate statement, Merkel reflected on the criticism she has faced in relation to the escalation of the conflict.

She stated that she has been made a "scapegoat" for the current situation, particularly regarding her refusal to support Ukraine's NATO membership in 2008, a decision she believes contributed to the ongoing crisis.

"This is not just a feeling, it's really the case," Merkel remarked, when asked whether she feels blamed for her position on NATO expansion during the 2008 Bucharest summit. 

She recalled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s criticism, who had pointed to the Bucharest decision as a factor that led to events in Bucha.

While Merkel acknowledged her admiration for Zelensky, she clarified that she disagreed with his interpretation of events surrounding the 2008 summit. At that time, Merkel opposed the accelerated accession of Ukraine to NATO, citing concerns over Russia's possible reaction.

Merkel served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021 and played a central role in efforts to mediate the conflict in Ukraine, including her involvement in the so-called Minsk peace negotiations.

By Khagan Isayev