Russia's security interests no justification for war: Ex-German premier

By Handan Kazanci

KOCAELI, Turkiye (AA) - Russia's security interests do not justify its use of "military means" against Ukraine, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder said on Thursday at an event in northwestern Turkiye.

"There have been many mistakes on both sides, but Russia's security interests do not justify the use of military means, either," said Schroder, addressing the Kartepe Summit in the province of Kocaeli.

"In recent years, there have been a lot of talks about mistakes and failures in relations between the West and Russia," said the 77-year-old Social Democrat.

Underlining that such talks were the "basis for the hope" that dialogue on peace and security in Europe is possible, Schroder said the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the "suffering it causes for the people of Ukraine" must end as soon as possible.

"It is now important that the negotiations between the two governments lead to a quick result and a cease-fire," he added, noting that he had spoken with the negotiators on both sides in Istanbul and Moscow.

He called on both Ukraine and Russia to "do everything in their power to end this terrible war."

Schroder also hailed the Turkish government and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for their mediation efforts between the two warring sides.

A high-level meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba was hosted by Turkiye's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in the southern Turkish province of Antalya this month. The talks were the first high-level interaction between Russia and Ukraine since the war began on Feb. 24.

"We all hope these efforts will be successful," said Schroder.

The Russia-Ukraine war has met international outrage with the EU, US, and UK, among others, imposing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

At least 1,035 civilians have been killed so far in Ukraine and 1,650 injured, according to UN estimates, while officials cautioned the true toll is likely far higher.

Over 3.6 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.