German media: Russian negotiator mocks Mertz: "You are not even a party"

German media reported that Chancellor Mertz expressed distrust in the American negotiators during a secret phone call. Afterward, a Russian negotiator sarcastically commented on social media: "Dear Mertz, you are not even a party."

The German magazine Der Spiegel reported on a crisis meeting where Ukrainian President Zelenskyy also attended. According to the report, Mertz mentioned the American negotiators and said to Zelenskyy, "They are playing tricks, not only with you but also with us."

After this report, the chief Russian negotiator, Dmytriyev, made scathing remarks about Mertz on the X platform.

The Russian negotiator sarcastically said: "Dear Mertz, you are not even a party."

A spokesperson for the German government stated that they would not comment on individual media reports. "In addition, we generally do not provide information about confidential conversations."

The spokesperson also mentioned Mertz's press conference with the Polish Prime Minister Tusk last Monday. During the press conference, Mertz mentioned a telephone conference with Zelenskyy, French President Macron, British Prime Minister Starmer, and other European partners, stating that they were "working together" to maintain transatlantic relations.

Foreign Minister Baerbock of Germany criticized Russia again on Thursday for lacking the intention for peace, stating that Moscow "has no serious intention to end its war of aggression." On the contrary, Putin's rhetoric towards Europe has been escalating, insisting on maximum conditions and continuing to rely on military means.

The current basis for negotiations is the Ukrainian peace plan proposed by the United States. The initial version was very "pro-Russian," and some points were modified under pressure from Ukraine and its European allies. The original 28-point plan required Ukraine to give up joining NATO, reduce its military size, and cede the entire Donbas region in the east to Russia, including territories not yet occupied by Russia.

Source: DW + Deutsche Presse-Agentur + Agence France-Presse

Original: toutiao.com/article/1850688416133129/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.