Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, announced during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, in Berlin that Europe must play a role in shaping any peace agreement in Ukraine. This meeting coincided with renewed efforts by the Donald Trump administration to negotiate with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.
The Importance of Europe's Participation in Negotiations
Merz stated at this meeting: "Europe must and wants a role in this process" and added: "Key elements of a peaceful solution, whether regarding sanctions or security structure, can only be resolved by us Europeans. And everyone involved knows this well." These remarks by Merz came as negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are set to resume soon in Abu Dhabi.
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Criticism of Putin's Invitation to the G20 Summit
Merz also strongly criticized the United States' decision to invite Putin to the G20 summit in Miami in December, stating that this action sidelines Ukraine from discussions about its own fate. He emphasized: "If President Trump decides to invite the President of Russia, the issue of Ukraine must be the first topic of discussion. And if Ukraine is discussed, the President of Ukraine must be present at the negotiating table."
He pointed out that discussing Ukraine's fate without representatives from the country is completely unacceptable, expressing his deep concerns about the peace negotiations. European leaders, including Merz, have long been worried that the United States may seek a peace agreement that sidelines Europe and harms Ukraine.
This meeting in Berlin also comes a day before sessions held by the European Commission with representatives from the United States, Ukraine, and key European allies to discuss post-war reconstruction in Ukraine and the future economy of the country.
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