Germany’s Merz warns Europe needs seat at the table as Trump renews Ukraine talks
The German chancellor also called the U.S. move to invite Putin to the G20 “completely unacceptable,” saying Ukraine’s fate must not be discussed without Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that Europe must contribute to shaping a potential Ukraine peace agreement as U.S. President Donald Trump endeavors to negotiate a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At a joint press conference in Berlin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Merz emphasized, "Europe must and wants to play a role in this process."
Key components of a peaceful resolution, such as sanctions and security architecture, can only be resolved with European involvement, a sentiment echoed by Zelenskyy. He stated, "No peace deal can be reached that would exclude Ukraine from joining the European Union or benefiting from its security infrastructure. The U.S. and Russia cannot determine Ukraine's EU membership status. For that, we need the support of other countries, and all of those countries are in Europe."
Merz's meeting with Zelenskyy in Berlin marks the timing of renewed U.S. efforts to secure a negotiated end to the conflict in Ukraine, as well as the imminent resumption of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi next week. Additionally, the meeting precedes discussions organized by the European Commission with U.S., Ukrainian, and key European partners to address Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and economic prospects.
Merz also vehemently opposed the U.S.'s decision to extend an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, deeming it detrimental to Ukraine's interests. "If President Trump were to decide to invite the Russian president, then Ukraine must be the first topic of discussion. And if Ukraine is discussed, then the president of Ukraine must be seated at the table," Merz insisted.
"It is completely unacceptable for third countries to deliberate Ukraine's fate without involving Ukraine itself." European leaders, including Merz, have long been apprehensive about the U.S. potentially reaching a Ukraine peace deal under circumstances that marginalize Europe and disadvantage Ukraine.
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