It is a fundamental principle of German foreign policy that talks are the best way to solve diplomatic problems. Such was the rationale behind Gernot Erler's recent trip to Moscow to speak with Russian parliamentarians about the ongoing Ukraine-related difficulties. Erler is the German government's Russia liaison and he has spent much of his political career working towards better relations between Germany and Russia. But his recent trip to the Russia capital was a painful one. There was no one in parliament who was willing to speak with him.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Spiegel: Merkel concerned about Russian influence in the Balkans
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) speaks Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) as Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi looks on prior their meeting on Ukraine's crisis with Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko (not seen), on Oct. 17.
