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BERLIN — Former German chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday Europe should make greater diplomatic efforts to end the war sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
She said she regrets that, in her view, Europe is "not making sufficient use of its diplomatic potential" and that talks with Moscow should not be left to US President Donald Trump alone.
Merkel said she finds it "absolutely right" to support Ukraine militarily, speaking to public broadcaster WDR at the Re:Publica digital conference in Berlin.
She added that "diplomacy has always been the other side of the coin, even during the Cold War".
"Military deterrence plus diplomatic activity -- that's what I think is important."
Merkel said she considers it "insufficient" if only Trump maintains contact with Russia, saying that "we are also someone, as Europeans".
"Underestimating [Russian President Vladimir] Putin would be a mistake, even now. And not having any confidence in ourselves would be just as much of a mistake."
Merkel, who served as Germany's chancellor from 2005 to 2021, has since been criticised for being too soft on Russia and making Germany dependent on cheap Russian energy sales for years.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, asked about Merkel's comments, said that Germany and its European partners "have long been engaged in intensive dialogue about our common paths toward a peaceful solution".
"What is important is that Russia is willing to come to the negotiating table and hold talks," he said. "And these talks will then take place between Ukraine and Russia, with the support of the Americans and the Europeans."
He added however that "so far, Russia has responded to every offer of negotiations with even more intensive shelling, including of civilian infrastructure ... This must stop. And that is the prerequisite for any talks to even take place."
