German-Russian Relations Remain Tense as SPD Leader Expresses Skepticism Over Putin’s Dialogue Claims
In a recent development, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed a willingness to engage in a dialogue with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a move that has been met with skepticism by SPD’s Parliamentary Business Manager, Dirk Wiese. Wiese, in an interview with RTL and ntv, expressed doubt over Putin’s genuine intentions for a meaningful conversation.
While acknowledging that Putin has been open to speaking with others, including former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other world leaders, Wiese believes that the Russian President has never deviated from his position and has consistently failed to make concessions. The SPD leader pointed to recent events, including the escalation of air attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure, as evidence of the Russian aggression.
“It’s not that no one has tried to speak with Putin” Wiese said. “Putin has never moved, Putin has never come back on his position. He has also not found a word to say that he ultimately holds the key to ending the war in Ukraine.” The SPD official emphasized that the opposite has been the case, with Russia intensifying its terror against Ukraine, causing civilian losses and destruction of infrastructure.