In an article published in the Berliner Zeitung newspaper, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder (serving in office from 1998-2005) said that current discussions are too focused on military capabilities, while what Germany and Europe really need first of all is peacekeeping capabilities.
People talk a lot about military strength, but what our country and Europe need first is peacekeeping capabilities. Therefore, I still believe that what I pushed for during my time as prime minister was right," Mr. Schroder wrote.
The former German Chancellor emphasized that Europe should continue to focus on "cheap, stable and reliable fuel sources from Russia", combined with modern German technologies in gas exploration and transportation. "Underestimating this is unreasonable. On the contrary, we need such forms of cooperation with Russia" - the former German Chancellor affirmed.
Referring to the situation in Ukraine, Mr. Schroder called for the use of all diplomatic tools to resolve the conflict. According to him, "it is necessary to end the escalation to prevent the conflict from spreading".
The former German Chancellor also opposed considering Russia a "perpetual enemy". He said that Russia is a country with a rich culture and many diverse historical connections with Germany.
The fact that Russia was brutally attacked by German soldiers in the two world wars is still "the shame of Germany". Therefore, we have a special responsibility in promoting peace between Russia and Ukraine" - Mr. Schroder wrote.
According to him, Germany needs to abandon the rhetoric of an arms race, because this not only harms but also increases divisions and does not build bridges of dialogue. He believes that this approach has significantly weakened Germany's potential role as a mediator in conflict.
Germany began abandoning energy supplies from Russia in February 2022. Currently, Germany no longer receives gas through the Nord Stream pipelines, after both of these gas pipelines were damaged in the destruction in the Baltic Sea in 2022. Previously, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline had not been certified for operation by Germany. Currently, the German government is betting on building ports to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG).
