# Ukraine war: Merz doubts Russia is serious about a truce

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ukraine-war-merz-doubts-russia-is-serious-about-a-truce/
- Published: 2026-11-03T15:04:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T20:08:05+00:00
- Original publisher: DW
- Original article: https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-war-merz-doubts-russia-is-serious-about-a-truce/a-79836026?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Topics: Americas, Europe, World

## Key points

- Merz doubts Russia is serious about a ceasefire.
- Ukraine and Germany say Europe must shape peace talks.
- Zelenskyy seeks security guarantees and winter support.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.