Defiant Schroeder will keep talking to Putin — RT World News
Conflict between Moscow and Kyiv can only be resolved through diplomacy, says former German chancellor
A diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is the only thing that can effectively alleviate the suffering of civilians, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder told German newspaper FAZ, adding that he would continue to use every opportunity to speak to the Russian authorities. President Vladimir Putin.
The former chancellor, who was previously forced out of his post on the board of Russian oil giant Rosneft under pressure from lawmakers in the European Parliament, now faces expulsion from his social democratic party (SPD). His perceived close relationship with Moscow is cited as one of the reasons the party considers his behavior « harmful » in his image, according to FAZ.
Schroeder himself, however, believes that the idea of politically isolating Russia is wrong. “I will not give up…opportunities to speak to the President [Vladimir] Cheese fries « , Schroeder told FAZ in an interview published on Sunday.
Russia is « interested in a negotiated solution », said the former chancellor, accusing kyiv of having blocked talks with Moscow. Schroeder, who sought to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow in early March, said the Ukrainians wanted no engagement « writing. » Such a position made everything « serious » talks impossible at this stage of the negotiations, he added.
The former chancellor also showed little understanding for the West’s emphasis on supplying Ukraine with arms. “I don’t believe in a military solution. The war can only be ended through diplomatic negotiations,” he told FAZ, adding that the lives of the military on both sides cannot be spared and that the suffering of the civilian population in Ukraine can only be alleviated through a diplomatic solution.
When asked if he thought Western arms supplies were helping to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position, Schroeder reiterated that all nations, including « those who are not directly involved in this conflict », should « work together to find a diplomatic solution » In place.
He also criticized Lithuania for restricting the movement of goods to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, again saying that « all sides » take responsibility for ensuring that « This conflict is not escalating any further. »
The interview comes ahead of an SPD committee meeting next week which will discuss the potential expulsion of the former party chancellor. The politician’s lawyer, however, told FAZ that there was not sufficient legal basis for such a decision. In June, Schroeder said he would remain a social democrat, even if expelled from the SPD.
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