In an interview with Der Spiegel, she noted that the special operation in Ukraine did not come as a surprise, since the Minsk agreements were undermined.

“In the summer of 2021, after the meeting between Presidents Biden and Putin, I, together with Emmanuel Macron, once again wanted to establish an independent European format for discussion with Putin in the EU Council.

Some objected, and I no longer had the strength to move it forward.

After all, everyone knew: “She will already leave in the fall,” Merkel said.

The ex-chancellor said that if she again put forward her candidacy for the post, she would continue to seek a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Earlier, Merkel noted that a lasting peace in Europe can be achieved only with the participation of Russia.

She also said that Europe needs to take Putin's words about protecting Russia seriously.