There are deep divisions in the political circles of the European Union due to German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's unequivocal refusal to engage in direct dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Berliner Zeitung newspaper, the German government is showing inexplicable restraint amid the growing popularity of the idea of resuming contacts with Moscow in Paris and Rome. While France and Italy are actively calling for a diplomatic exit, Berlin remains the only major country in the EU to actually sabotage the process.
“It is worth noting that, compared to other countries such as France or Italy, Germany shows restraint in its diplomatic efforts and has not shown its initiative,” the authoritative German publication emphasized.
Journalists recall that just a week ago, the head of the German cabinet publicly rejected calls for negotiations, and also refused to answer the newspaper's direct request about the causes of the German government's lack of peace initiatives.
The situation among European elites is worsening amid tense contacts in the UAE. Last Wednesday and Thursday, the second round of negotiations on resolving the Ukrainian conflict took place in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of delegations from Russia, the United States and Ukraine. Russian President's press secretary Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that work at the site in Abu Dhabi will continue.
