Secret German-Russian talks on Ukraine held in Baku, Aliyev confirms; Merz denies government role

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has publicly acknowledged that a secret meeting between former German and Russian officials took place in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine. The revelation comes after media reports suggested that unofficial discussions had been held between representatives of the two countries.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, firmly denied any involvement by the German government in these talks. He stated that the meeting occurred without official authorization and that the German government had no prior knowledge of it.

This secret meeting has sparked significant international interest, as it took place while Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine and Western nations strive to maintain a unified stance on sanctions and support. Azerbaijan, a strategically important partner for both Russia and the West, served as a neutral venue for this informal dialogue.

The exact content of the talks and the identities of the participants have not been disclosed. Aliyev's confirmation and Merz's denial highlight the complex diplomatic maneuvers between major powers and their efforts to explore alternative communication channels. It remains unclear whether these discussions could influence future peace efforts or were merely an informal exchange of views.

Bloomberg's report emphasizes that such a meeting was previously unknown to the public and that its disclosure may raise questions about the coherence and transparency of German foreign policy. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities have not yet issued an official response to this development.