State Duma deputy criticized Merz's proposal for negotiations with Russia

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue of holding peace talks in Ukraine would be excellent if he simply proposed to start a dialogue and promised to influence Kyiv, said Dmitry Novikov, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs. The deputy shared his opinion in a conversation with Lenta.ru.

“When the question of negotiations is linked to proposals to stop strikes, we have repeatedly stated that we have not forgotten the lessons when, including Merz’s predecessors, we were repeatedly deceived in connection with the Minsk agreements and others. Therefore, if you are for negotiations, let’s discuss what these negotiations will be about, where, how and what we are going to achieve,” Novikov responded.

According to the deputy, it is another question if Germany intends to be a peacemaker outwardly, but does not plan to reach any agreements in reality.

“Partly cease hostilities in order to limit in some form the capabilities of our special military operation in order to again focus on the need for rearmament. This is not our way. Moreover, Merz has made other public statements in recent hours. Against the backdrop of such dissonance and such a situation, his proposals do not look feasible,” the parliamentarian concluded.

Earlier, Merz turned to Putin and announced his readiness for peace negotiations on Ukraine. However, he added that the attacks must stop. Merz clarified that we are talking about damage to infrastructure during preparation for winter.