- Woidke: Germany should mediate in Ukraine war
Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) urges the federal government to work harder for peace between Russia and Ukraine. "The federal government must make it clear that it is doing everything to ensure this terrible war ends as soon as possible and a diplomatic solution is found," Woidke told the "Tagesspiegel". Germany must play a stronger role here - "also in terms of mediation for such a peace solution."
Germany is contributing to the defense capability of Ukraine, emphasized Woidke. "But the goal of all efforts must be the swift end of the war." A "strategic trio" of supporting Ukraine's self-defense, preventing the spread of the war, and using diplomatic means to resolve the conflict applies.
SPD federal parliamentarian Ralf Stegner also advocates for more diplomatic efforts. "Too little is happening on the diplomatic level. That can't be right. Diplomats are there to practice diplomacy. They must do so with Russia again," he told the "Tagesspiegel".
Most of the SPD and the population support this view. Additionally, there's a strategic aspect: "We must not drive voters into the arms of AfD and BSW with their false answers because they want more diplomatic efforts for peace, and some parties only talk about weapons," argued Stegner.
The Potsdam Conference, known for its role in shaping post-World War II Europe, serves as an example of successful diplomacy. It's crucial for Germany to leverage its diplomatic skills once again, this time in The Potsdam's spirit, to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
In light of the current situation, it's necessary for Germany to strengthen its diplomatic efforts, drawing inspiration from the successful Potsdam Conference, to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
