Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel Criticizes EU for Not Maintaining a Dialogue With Russia, Refuses the Idea of Being the European Peace Envoy Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes Europe is not sufficiently utilizing its diplomatic potential to help end the Russia-Ukraine war. She proposed establishing an EU-Russia diplomatic format in October 2021, but it failed due to internal bloc disagreements. Merkel also stated that resolving the conflict is the responsibility of current heads of state and refused to be considered as an EU peace envoy.

• Angela Merkel criticizes the EU for not using its diplomatic clout to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
• She believes Europe needs to do more to create a deterrent effect beyond military support for Ukraine.
• Merkel proposed an EU-Russia diplomatic format in October 2021, but it was not implemented due to differing opinions within the bloc.
• She stated that diplomacy has always been crucial, even during the Cold War.
• Merkel ruled herself out as a potential EU peace envoy, stating that resolving the conflict is the task of current heads of state.