Ukraine war: Merz doubts Russia is serious about a truce

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he sees no evidence that Russia is serious about negotiating a ceasefire in Ukraine, after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. Both leaders argued that the European Union must help shape peace talks and have a role in decisions on sanctions and postwar security.

European representatives are expected to attend next week’s US-led talks in Abu Dhabi, although they may not have a seat at the table. Zelenskyy hopes those discussions could lead to a meeting with Vladimir Putin and said Ukraine wants protection for energy infrastructure, safe Black Sea grain routes and further prisoner exchanges. He said a lasting peace would require security guarantees backed by Europe and the US; Germany also promised further air defence and winter energy assistance as Russian strikes continue.