Merz-Putin Talks Possible Amid EU-US Ukraine Dialogue
German government officials confirmed readiness for dialogue with Russia, citing mutual understanding with the U.S. on principles for Ukraine peace talks, which could pave the way for a meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Vladimir Putin. The possibility of European involvement in future negotiations was discussed, though Russia remains opposed.
Consensus
- German government representatives stated they have reached mutual understanding with the U.S. on key principles for Ukraine peace talks.
- The agreed principles include prioritizing peace in Ukraine before discussing European and transatlantic security.
- These principles have not been formally discussed with Russia.
- The German government is open to contacts between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- The U.S. is considering involving European representatives in future Ukraine negotiations.
- A meeting between U.S. envoys and Putin in Moscow is expected, followed by a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Dublin.
- The German government emphasized that any agreement must be approved by all NATO members.
- Russia has not formally agreed to European participation in negotiations, and Russian officials have expressed skepticism about European roles.
Points of divergence
- A poll by Midem shows 54% of Germans support continued aid to Ukraine, 29% favor rapprochement with Russia, and the share of pro-Russian sentiment rose from 13.7% to 17.3%. — riamo
- Merz threatened to block the next EU budget if all member states do not support Ukraine funding, and he demanded a 70 billion euro deficit cover for Kyiv. — riamo
- Merz's critics, including the AfD party, are gaining support due to his hardline stance on Ukraine. — riamo
- Experts quoted by RT believe the signals about dialogue are an attempt to divert attention from domestic failures. — riamo
- 83% of respondents in a Bild poll do not trust the chancellor. — riamo
- The U.S. envoys Steve Witkooff and Jared Kushner are to deliver the agreed principles to Russia. — vm
- Russia's representative in Abu Dhabi, Vladimir Medinsky, called European participants 'tourists' and questioned their role. — tg_bbcrussian
- Russian official Sergey Ryabkov warned that involving Europe in negotiations could disrupt U.S.-Russia efforts due to differing approaches. — tg_bbcrussian
- The U.S. administration under Donald Trump is pushing for European involvement in negotiations, believing it is necessary for a deal. — vedomosti
- The Abu Dhabi talks concluded with a large-scale prisoner exchange. — tg_echoonline_news
Coverage (8 sources)
- «Merz got carried away»: why in Berlin they are discussing possible negotiations between Merz and Putin — РИАМО
- In the German government confirmed readiness for contacts with Russia — Вести
- In the German government allowed meeting of Merza and Putin — Вечерняя Москва
- Merz claims he sees signs of Moscow's readiness to agree to Europe's participation in Ukraine negotiations — BBC News Русская служба
- Merts called on Putin to agree to negotiations on Ukraine with European participation — Ведомости
- In Germany, talks between Merz and Putin after the UAE meeting were allowed — РИАМО
- German Government Does Not Rule Out Contacts of Merz with Putin — ЭХО / Новости
- Merkel and Putin talks possible, Berlin says after Abu Dhabi meeting. Kremlin also agrees to communicate with... — DW Главное
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