Krieg gegen Ukraine: Vor Verhandlungen – Selenskyj besucht Merz in Berlin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj arrived in Berlin ahead of new negotiations between Russia and Ukraine regarding the end of the war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced Selenskyj would return to his office shortly after his arrival. The visit was not announced for security reasons. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced a new round of talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US for next Tuesday and Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, focusing on post-war security arrangements, de-escalation, humanitarian aid, and steps towards peace.

US envoys were also reportedly to meet German, French, British, NATO, and EU representatives in Brussels to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, Europe's security order post-war, and reconstruction. Europeans insisted on their participation in the negotiations. Germany plans to have a European presence in Abu Dhabi, even though they would likely not sit at the table.

Three major summits are scheduled before the end of the year: a possible trilateral summit between US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, China on November 18-19. China is Russia's biggest supporter in the Ukraine war. Western leaders say Putin could not continue his war without Chinese support.

Around the same time, a "Coalition of Willing" summit with around 35 countries supporting Ukraine is planned in Berlin. The summit will focus on additional aid to Ukraine, especially winter assistance against Russia. The G20 summit in Florida from December 13-15 will also address further assistance. The crucial question is whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 for the first time since the Ukrainian invasion and if US President Trump will invite Ukrainian President Selenskyj as well.

The talks between Merz and Selenskyj likely covered further military and financial support for Ukraine, primarily US Patriot missiles for air defense against Russian ballistic missiles, which the UK has already donated. Ukraine also needs 70 billion euros from Europeans for 2023, as Selenskyj requested at the last EU summit in October.

The funding will be discussed at the upcoming EU summits, mainly in the context of the EU's medium-term financial planning. Selenskyj hopes for a swap of Patriot missiles.