Mystery Surrounds High-Level German-Russian Meetings in Baku Despite Official Berlin Policy

In October 2024, influential Germans including Matthias Platzeck and Ronald Pofalla are slated to meet senior Kremlin representatives such as former Russian Prime Minister Viktor Subkov and sanctioned Kremlin advisor Valeri Fadeev in Baku, Azerbaijan. The meetings derive from the Petersburger Dialog framework, officially ended by Germany after Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion and after Russia designated involved organizations as undesirable since 2021. German participants deny or avoid confirming their attendance, while Russian officials frame the talks as informal and personal. The presence of the Petersburger Dialog official logo on Russian documents and the involvement of high-level Kremlin figures suggests an intent to maintain backchannel communication despite German foreign policy aiming to isolate Russia politically. Previously, a confidential meeting took place in April 2024 to discuss preserving communication and trust between the two nations. Experts warn these talks serve not reconciliation but enforcing Russian imperial interests. EU sanctions list participants like Fadeev for disinformation supporting the Ukraine invasion. The situation highlights covert diplomatic engagements that run counter to official public policies aimed at sanctioning and isolating Russia.