Germany sets conditions for Ukraine peace talks, rejects Schröder, Orbán

European Union leaders are grappling with Germany's potential role in future peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, following an initiative by EU Council President António Costa to explore diplomatic channels with Moscow. Germany, alongside France and Great Britain within the E3 format, has outlined key conditions for any talks: an immediate and complete ceasefire, using the current front lines as a negotiation starting point, and providing Ukraine with binding security guarantees post-ceasefire.

A significant point of contention remains the frozen Russian assets, which Germany insists will stay blocked until Russia ends its aggression and compensates Ukraine for damages. The article draws a parallel to Germany's own post-World War II reconciliation with France, highlighting the need for critical self-reflection, a quality perceived as absent in Russia. Therefore, Ukraine's immediate need is identified as a ceasefire and security from Russian aggression, with peace negotiations to follow.

Germany's approach emphasizes restraint in diplomatic initiatives, stressing that any mediator must be accepted by Ukraine. Notably, proposals involving former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder or Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are dismissed outright. The question of Angela Merkel's potential involvement is raised but deemed secondary to establishing the process's foundational steps, beginning with a cessation of hostilities.

The article underscores that without a clear signal from Russian President Vladimir Putin to lay down arms, negotiations would be futile. The current strategy involves maintaining maximum pressure on Moscow to alter its calculations. While there's an ongoing debate within Brussels about the suitability of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas for such a delicate role, given Russia's potential rejection due to her Estonian origin, the author does not align with this assessment. Instead, the piece suggests that the Baltic states, including Estonia, have historically possessed a more realistic understanding of Russia and Putin than Germany.