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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday he had seen no sign that Russia was serious about negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine, speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin.
Both leaders said Europe must help shape any lasting peace. Germany expects European representatives to be in Abu Dhabi for next week’s US-led talks with Ukraine and Russia, though they are unlikely to have a seat at the table.
“It is important that Russia finally and seriously engages in negotiations about a ceasefire and a subsequent peace agreement,” Merz said when asked about the Abu Dhabi talks. “I do not see that happening so far.”
What do Merz and Zelenskyy want from the talks?
Merz said Europe must have a say on sanctions and postwar security. He said the local ceasefire in Oleshky could serve as a model for a wider truce, but warned that Russian attacks in the Black Sea risked further escalation. “Russia is precipitating a global food crisis, to the detriment of the poorest nations and countries in the world,” he said.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine wanted a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, safe passage for grain shipments through the Black Sea and further prisoner exchanges.
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The Ukrainian president said a ceasefire alone would not secure a lasting peace. Ukraine would need security guarantees backed by Europe and the US. He insisted Europe must be involved in the negotiations.
“There cannot be a sustainable peace if Europe is not at the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy said.
He said Ukraine would join the US, European partners and NATO for talks on security guarantees and reconstruction in Brussels on Wednesday.
What did Germany pledge in Berlin?
“Ahead of the next winter, air defense and the energy sector are our priorities,” Merz said. He said Germany would soon deliver new aid in both areas and provide further winter assistance this year.
Zelenskyy thanked Germany for helping protect Ukraine’s skies and supporting its energy infrastructure. “Without Germany, we would not be as strong as we are,” he said. He said Ukraine urgently needed more air defense equipment, including Patriot interceptors.
The leaders met hours after Russia launched a wave of missiles and drones at Ukraine. At least 73 people were injured in a strike on a hospital in Kharkiv, and 226 patients had to be transferred to other hospitals, regional prosecutors said.
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Zelenskyy told EU leaders in October that Ukraine would need an additional €70 billion ($78 billion) from European governments next year. Germany plans to host a summit of countries backing Ukraine in mid-November to discuss further support ahead of winter.
How has Berlin stepped up security?
The visit coincides with the opening of the two-day Berlin Security Conference, which brings together European officials and defense experts. Russia’s war in Ukraine is high on the agenda.
Police said about 3,400 additional officers were deployed for the visit and the conference, with reinforcements from across Germany.
Armed officers guarded barriers around parts of the government district, and special police units deployed snipers. Roads were also closed in western Berlin, including near the Kurfürstendamm shopping avenue.
