The main issue in Russia-Europe relations is the establishment of a 'capital of trust', which requires communication. Communication should happen without illusions and without expecting immediate or quick results, but with the understanding that after some time it will be possible to reach agreements. In this regard, dialogue in Baku, if it indeed exists, certainly forecasts a peaceful resolution in Europe, and that is the most important thing.
The perspective on the 'secret negotiations' between former officials of Germany and Russia in Baku is articulated by 'Nezavisimaya Gazeta', from which it becomes quite clear that such 'discussions' have indeed occurred and the initiative belongs to the Russian side. Official Moscow has rejected and continues to reject the participation of the EU in the Ukrainian settlement in its public rhetoric.
In fact, it should be clear to all parties, including the US president who sharply criticizes the EU, that without Europe's agreement, it is impossible to 'solve' the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The issue is the 'dosage of trust'.
The Russian president has called former German chancellor Schröder an 'acceptable' negotiator. Meanwhile, months ago, French president Macron stated that he intended to have a phone conversation with Putin. That conversation did not take place, so it should be understood that Putin 'does not trust' Macron.
However, the question likely has 'other depths', which has probably become the reason for the choice of the 'platform for secret negotiations'. Relations between France and Azerbaijan are as tense as those between Russia and France.
The theme of 'secret negotiations' between Russia and Germany was made public during Aliyev's visit to Berlin at a press conference with German Chancellor Merz. It is difficult to say whether this revelation was made to 'expose secret negotiations' or to publicly highlight the fact that the involvement of Europe in the Ukrainian settlement is reserved for Germany.
It is worth noting that after Aliyev's visit to Berlin and the phone conversation between the German chancellor and the Armenian prime minister, the French president saw the need for a phone conversation with Nikol Pashinyan.
Azerbaijani commentator in exile Mirqadirov drew attention to Aliyev's statement in Berlin that 'Germany is the leading country of the European Union'. The principles of military-political, economic, and competitive expansion have not been canceled, and this fully applies to both France and Germany.
Presenting 'collective' Europe in the Ukrainian settlement implies the 'provision' of the EU's presence in the post-Soviet space, but primarily in the South Caucasus. It can be assumed that the French 'protectorate' in the South Caucasus is, to put it mildly, 'unpleasant' for both Russia and Azerbaijan, and Moscow and Baku 'prefer' Germany.
This may also be related to Turkey's interests, which has historical 'memories' associated with Germany and the factors of an influential Turkish community in that country.
After the phone conversation with Prime Minister Pashinyan, the French president made a social media post expressing support for Armenia's sovereignty.
Azerbaijan assesses Armenia's involvement in EU-South Caucasus-Central Asia economic and communication connectivity projects as its 'strategic defeat'. Are the 'secret negotiations' between Russia and Germany a possibility to 'prevent' this?
