Frankfurt (Germany), 9 Oct. (LaPresse) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is “deeply outraged” by the meeting between former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the latter’s birthday. This was stated by the German government spokesperson, Steffen Meyer, during the federal press conference in Berlin, commenting on reports of Schröder’s participation in the celebrations. “Putin is solely responsible for the war in Ukraine. His orders cause immeasurable suffering every day, resulting in civilian casualties, separated families, deaths and injuries,” said Meyer. “In this context, the Chancellor considers it downright immoral for Schröder to celebrate with Putin on such a day,” he added. When asked about the possibility of the former Chancellor playing a mediating role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Meyer reiterated that the German government is working with its partners to find a diplomatic solution. “We have already answered this question several times in the past. We are working with our partners and doing everything we can to open diplomatic channels towards peace in Ukraine,” he explained. “We are discussing this with our European partners and with the heads of state and government who have responsibilities in this area. That is what we are focusing on,” he concluded.
Germany, Merz: “Outraged by Schröder-Putin meeting; it is immoral to celebrate with him”
Frankfurt (Germany), 9 Oct. (LaPresse) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is “deeply outraged” by the meeting between former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of the latter’s birthday. This was stated by the German government spokesperson, Steffen Meyer, during the federal press conference in Berlin, commenting on reports of Schröder’s participation in the celebrations. “Putin is solely responsible for the war in Ukraine. His orders cause immeasurable suffering every day, resulting in civilian casualties, separated families, deaths and injuries,” said Meyer. “In this context, the Chancellor considers it downright immoral for Schröder to celebrate with Putin on such a day,” he added. When asked about the possibility of the former Chancellor playing a mediating role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Meyer reiterated that the German government is working with its partners to find a diplomatic solution. “We have already answered this question several times in the past. We are working with our partners and doing everything we can to open diplomatic channels towards peace in Ukraine,” he explained. “We are discussing this with our European partners and with the heads of state and government who have responsibilities in this area. That is what we are focusing on,” he concluded.