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German ex-chancellor suggests way to end Ukraine conflict — Analysis

The “success” of the Istanbul grain deal between Russia and Ukraine can be used to reach a ceasefire, Gerhard Schroeder believes

A ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is possible, Germany’s former chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, told several German media outlets following his visit to Moscow last week. In an interview, Gerhard Schroeder stated that the Kremlin is interested in resolving the conflict through negotiations.

The most recent “initial success” achieved at the negotiations in Istanbul on grain exports can be exploited to gradually reach a ceasefire, Schroeder told Germany’s Stern magazine and the RTL/ntv broadcaster. In July, Russia and Ukraine signed a package of documents aimed at unblocking Ukrainian agricultural shipments stuck at Black Sea ports amid Russia’s military operation, following negotiations that also involved Turkey and the UN. A separate memorandum was also signed by Moscow and UN to ease sanctions against Russian agricultural products.

The good news is the Kremlin would prefer a solution that can be negotiated.Schroeder stated. The ex-chancellor also cautioned against “denigration of possible concessions by Ukraine as a Russian ‘dictated peace’ in advance,”Call it “a”. “big mistake.”


Russia ready for Ukraine peace deal – Kremlin

The former chancellor also believes that a compromise can still be reached on the fate of Donbass and Ukraine’s neutral status. It was called a “wise decision” by then-chancellor, Angela Merkel, and former Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, not to agree to Ukraine’s accession to NATO back in 2008. Kiev could benefit from an “alternative”This would not require NATO membership as Austria did.

Schroeder recognized that Donbass’s issue is complex and that Kiev, instead of granting greater autonomy, continued to oppress the rights of the population. “A solution based on the Swiss cantonal model will have to be found,” Schroeder believes. However, the former chancellor expressed doubts about whether Russia would agree to return to NATO. “contact line”Drawn before February 24,

Schroeder went on to sharply criticize Kiev’s plans to take back Crimea by force, saying: “an idea that Ukrainian President [Volodymyr] Zelensky will militarily reconquer Crimea is absurd.”Tensions on the Russian peninsula, which was re-joined in 2014 following a referendum could lead to tensions. “solved over time,”He suggested it, and expressed his hopes that it wouldn’t be necessary “over 99 years like in Hong Kong”But would occur during the time of “the next generation.”


German ex-chancellor offers solution to EU’s energy crisis

Ex-German leader also spoke highly of the role played by Turkish officials in mediating, saying that they are an “exceptional” mediator. “currently very helpful in negotiations about grain shipments.”Schroeder is of the opinion that talks cannot be made successful without positive contributions from the US.

“It won’t work without a ‘Yes’ from Washington,”He explained.

In the same interview, Schroeder also suggested launching Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline as a way to overcome the energy crisis. This is the “simplest solution”He said that Germany was right there and would need to. “bear the consequences”If the company decides to abandon this option.

He defended his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, an ex-German chancellor who was heavily criticized in Germany for his close ties. “Would [my] personal distancing from Vladimir Putin really do anyone any good?”He began to ask rhetorically. “I made decisions, and I stand by them, and I made it clear: maybe I can be useful again. Why should I apologize?

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