Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced close coordination with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on achieving a "dignified peace" in Ukraine, emphasizing Europe's integral role in future negotiations. Following a conversation between the two leaders, discussions focused on various formats for high-level peace meetings, including two bilateral and one trilateral arrangement, as detailed in a recent tweet by President Zelenskyy. This development underscores a united front between Kyiv and Berlin on the urgent need to end the conflict.
President Zelenskyy highlighted the shared view that the war must conclude swiftly, with peace parameters shaping Europe's security for decades. > "Ukraine and Germany share the view that the war must be ended as soon as possible with a dignified peace, and the parameters of ending this war will shape the security landscape of Europe for decades to come," Zelenskyy stated in his tweet. He stressed that as the war unfolds in Europe and Ukraine is in EU accession negotiations, the continent must be an active participant in relevant peace processes.
The Ukrainian leader confirmed that security advisors from Ukraine, Europe, and the United States were scheduled to hold an online meeting to align their joint views. This move follows recent direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, which have yet to yield a breakthrough on a ceasefire, largely due to differing demands from both sides. Ukraine has consistently called for a full ceasefire before discussing durable peace terms, while Russia insists on agreeing to peace terms first.
Ukraine's push for Europe's direct involvement comes as the country continues its path toward European Union membership. The EU formally opened accession negotiations with Ukraine in June 2024, recognizing Ukraine's determination to undertake necessary reforms despite the ongoing conflict. Germany, under Chancellor Merz, has affirmed Ukraine's fulfillment of reform requirements necessary to initiate these discussions.
President Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's readiness for meetings, stating, > "Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same brave approach from the Russian side. It is time we ended the war." The discussions with Chancellor Merz and the proposed multi-format talks signal a renewed diplomatic push to find a resolution to the prolonged conflict, with significant European engagement.