Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against ignoring Russia's threats in the context of the war in Ukraine as a bluff.
She emphasized that a strong peace in Europe can be achieved only with the participation of Russia.
She said this at the ceremony dedicated to the 77th anniversary Süddeutsche Zeitung in Munich.
"We are all strongly advised to take words seriously and not to classify them as bluffs from the outset," the former chancellor noted.
According to her, it is important that Germany, the European Union and NATO have a single, decisive position to protect, restore the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine. Merkel called the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on February 24 "a profound turning point."
Merkel spoke of the impetus for European unification following the reunification of Germany during the collapse of the Soviet military bloc under Mikhail Gorbachev.
"The aggressive war of Russia and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin against Ukraine destroys the foundations of everything that was agreed upon by the international community at the time, including the then Soviet Union, and then Russia," she said.
Merkel emphasized that it is necessary to deal with "the future architecture of European security within the limits of international law."
"Until we succeed in doing that, the Cold War is not really over," the ex-chancellor added.
Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the President's Office, reacted to Merkel's "peaceful" proposals:
"Pure hypocrisy. Russia invades Ukraine, destroys cities, arranges mass executions, threatens the world with WMD if it does not allow genocide and annexation. It would seem that everything is clear. But Mrs. Merkel comes out again and says: "Without Russia, there will be no strong world." How to stop it?
