Merkel calls on Ukraine to consider diplomatic ways to end war

She said this on the air of the ZDF TV channel, the DPA agency reported. 

In a conversation with the journalist, Merkel emphasized that “Russia must not win this war.”

“It is not only in the interest of Ukraine but also in our interest that Putin does not win this war,” Merkel said.

According to her, as chancellor, she did everything possible to prevent such an escalation.

"This is a blatant violation of international law that he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] has committed with Ukraine,” Merkel added. 

However, the former chancellor also stated that "one must always consider diplomatic solutions in parallel."

According to her, they do not need to be discussed right now, but when the time is right.  However, she did not specify when that time might come.

Merkel emphasized her support for what the German government is doing for Ukraine and suggested that it will not be easy for Ukraine to defeat Russia.

"Nevertheless, I support everything the international community is doing to put Ukraine in a good position,” Merkel said.

• Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed the opinion that she is being scapegoated for Russia's war against Ukraine and her position at the 2008 NATO summit, when she prevented Kyiv from obtaining a Membership Action Plan.
• Also, Angela Merkel believes that if Ukraine had started its path to NATO in 2008, the war would have started earlier.