Merz states negotiations to end war are impossible without Ukraine and Europe
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Attempts by the US and Russia to end the war in Ukraine will never find a solution without Ukraine. These negotiations must also involve European countries, states German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Merz on peace negotiations
Speaking at the Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, Merz described diplomatic efforts to establish a negotiation format with Moscow.
The German Chancellor stated that the end of the war depends on only one person.
He also described further support for Ukraine not only as a defense of its territorial integrity but also as defense of the European political order.
In Merz’s view, as long as Putin does not want to end the war, Germany and Europe will continue to support Ukraine.
Merz stated that Russia, Ukraine, the US, and European countries must be at the negotiating table, and he warned against a scenario where Russia, possibly China, and the United States of America end the war without Ukraine.
Call to Putin
Merz said that Germany and other European countries are trying to establish a format for negotiations with the Russian government. He noted that Norway and Finland are playing a "very constructive role" in these efforts.
The leaders of Finland and Norway called Russian leader Vladimir Putin on October 27 to urge him to end the war in Ukraine.
Before contacting Putin, they held consultations with Ukraine to convey its position regarding future peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the call between Stubb, Støre, and Putin. According to him, they clearly told the Russian president that real de-escalation steps regarding Ukraine’s energy and infrastructure are needed.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed skepticism regarding the negotiations between the leaders of Norway and Finland and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
