Putin Open to Chats with Zelensky and Merz, Under Certain Terms
Open Dialogue Proposed by Putin; Includes Zelensky in Negotiation Scope - Open Dialogue Proposed by Putin, Encompassing Potential Discussions with Zelensky
Vladimir Putin, Russian President, A-okay with chats with Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and even Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President - if certain conditions are met.
Moscow Views Germany as Foe
Putin told the DPA news agency in St. Petersburg that if Merz desires a call, Russia's open to these discussions: "We're always ready for that." Regarding the conflict with Ukraine, Putin mentioned that Russia doesn't see Germany as neutral and thus not as a mediator. Germany is backing Ukraine, providing tanks, and entering the fracas.
Putin held his first public remarks on Merz since the latter's election in May. Merz has yet to make contact with Putin post taking-office, but has persistently urged the Kremlin leader to halt Russia's aggression against Ukraine - to no avail.
German-Russian relations are as frosty as ever. Merz faces severe criticism in Moscow for his harsh stance on Russia. Moscow frowns upon arms delivery to Ukraine and cautions against supplying Kiev with Taurus cruise missiles for attacks on Russian territory. Putin claimed that German aid would make no impact on the fighting in Ukraine.
Moscow views Berlin with suspicion due to a variety of confrontational actions. They range from the 2015 hacker attack on the Bundestag, the 2019 murder of a Georgian by a Russian intelligence agent in Berlin, an arson attack on a cargo plane, to recent espionage against the Bundeswehr.
Dancing with Zelensky - H cards, if you please
Putin is open to a tryst with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but there's a catch! The Russian leader pointed out that the question is who will ultimately sign the peace accord.
Putin reiterated doubts on Zelensky's legitimacy, stating last year marked his five-year term's end. The Ukrainian administration contends that elections can't be held due to martial law, but Zelensky's powers remain intact.
Putin also urged the continuation of direct discussions between Moscow and Kiev. Discussions held twice this year in Istanbul under Turkish mediation should carry on post-June 22. Putin argued that the latest meetings have produced results in humanitarian areas, including swapping prisoners and fallen soldiers.
Exchanging Ideas with Western Journalists
Putin met with Western journalists for a Q&A session during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in the renovated conservatory of the city. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov clarified that Putin wanted to convey Russia's viewpoint plainly and unfiltered through this conversation with Western news agencies.
Russia relies on the SPIEF to project itself on the international stage and defy international isolation sought by the West. Additionally, the SPIEF is considered a method to circumvent sanctions against the resource-rich nation, which Moscow considers illegal. Planned events this year include a Russia-USA business dialogue, following rapprochement between the two countries during US President Donald Trump's tenure.
Approximately 20,000 participants from 140 countries are expected at the forum by Saturday's end. Typically, Putin delivers an economic policy address on Friday and addresses questions on a panel the day after.
Despite sanctions, numerous entrepreneurs and speakers from Western countries attend the forum. As Russia enjoys relatively high growth thanks to its war economy and commodity sales, challenges remain such as high inflation and interest rates making investments costly.
- Vladimir Putin
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Germany
- Russia
- Friedrich Merz
- Ukraine
- Moscow
- Kremlin
- Kyiv
- News agencies
- CDU
- St. Petersburg
- Conflict
Insights:
- Putin has expressed readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky under the condition that Russia recognizes the "legitimate authorities" of Ukraine as what should sign any peace agreement.
- Putin maintains skepticism about Germany's neutrality in the conflict due to its active military and political support for Ukraine. This skepticism prevents Moscow from viewing Germany as a potential peace mediator.
The Commission's proposal for a regulation on the establishment of a European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States could be a step towards resolving the geopolitical complexities that hinder dialogue between Russia and Germany, as the latter has been serving as a key player in the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine. Despite Putin's openness to discussions with both Zelensky and Merz, the general-news of Moscow viewing Germany as a foe makes the attainment of a peaceful resolution through direct talks questionable.
