Merz may reach out to Putin after Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Following the talks in Abu Dhabi, a conversation between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Russian leader Vladimir Putin may take place. Berlin said that an understanding on the basic principles of a settlement had been reached in the UAE, reports Die Zeit, quoting German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.
"We reached an understanding in Abu Dhabi on the basic principles. This understanding is now also being conveyed to the president of Russia, and talks can develop on this basis," Kornelius said.
The Kremlin told TASS that Putin is open to contacts with the EU and with Merz. The chancellor himself previously said he would not rule out a meeting if Putin attends the G20 summit in Miami in December.
According to Kornelius, European countries, together with the US and Ukraine, have agreed on four principles for further negotiations on ending the war. An agreement on peace in Ukraine must come first, and only then should European and transatlantic security be discussed. Any agreement is possible only with the consent of all NATO allies.
However, these principles have not been agreed upon with Russia.
Despite an agreement on an exchange, the parties failed to resolve the key issues. According to RBC-Ukraine's sources, on the second day, Russia refused to discuss a ceasefire, territorial issues, energy, and security in the Black Sea.
Now, Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to meet with Putin in Moscow, followed by a meeting with Zelenskyy in Dublin. Zelenskyy urged Europe to decide on its representative at the negotiations by the end of November.
